Basic Steps to Producing a Successful Black History Month Children's Play

Producing a children's play is a wonderful experienceany play depends on everyone's talents and
for everyone involved. Children do what they do best -contributions. The director listens and tries to use as
make-believe. Directors have a great opportunity tomany of the children's ideas as possible. Helping
inspire children to greatness and bring out their best.children understand their characters is the most
With Black History Month right around the corner, hereimportant role of the director.
are some ideas and tips on how you can produce aDuring rehearsal, everyone work closely together on
successful and exciting African-American children'sthe scripts, play settings, props, costumes, and
play.everything else needed for a successful play.
The basic steps are:The Support Team
1. Choose a cultural play.The director may need the help of a support team
2. Assign roles and stage jobs to children.that includes prompters, stagehands, and ushers. A
3. Decide what play to perform: with or withoutprompter whispers any forgotten lines from offstage
costumes; on stage or in a classroom; with or withoutto the actors during the show. Stagehands are
props; or memorizing lines or reading the script.responsible for stage sets, props, and moving scenery
4. Set rehearsal times and dates.around during performances. Ushers take tickets, seat
5. Create props, sets, programs, or costumes.the audience, and pass out programs. You can use
6. Make playbill, flyers, programs, and tickets.extra kids to perform this task, those that want to
7. Perform dress rehearsal.take part in but do not want to act.
8. Perform the play.Use these basic steps to produce a successful play
The Role of the Directorfor Black History Month everyone will enjoy seeing and
As the director, you are in charge. Keep in mind,participating in.
however, that you are not the boss. The success of