See following tips for putting on your own plays from DCHeath.

 10 steps for turning stories into good classroom plays

 

Step 1

Choose a story with many characters

If you want to involve an entire class on stage, you should select a story with enough parts for everyone. We recommend that each student have at least one line of dialogue. If you need to, you can take a few characters and multiply them. One penguin can become six penguins. Pick a story with lots of parts that can be played by anyone, regardless of gender.

 

Step 2

Choose a story with lots of action and dialogue.

Stories with lots of descriptions are more difficult to translate to the stage. In theater we look for action, conflict, and change.

 

Step 3

Start by making everyone familiar with the story.

Read the story aloud. Act out episodes from the story.

Ask the students questions about why characters in the story took particular actions. This process will help everyone learn all the parts.

 

Step 4

Write down all the dialogue that appears in the story.

This is the beginning of your script. Make sure to write down implied dialogue as well.

 

Step 5

List all the major events of the story.

This can be done on index cards. You can arrange the cards in a line and see an outline of the plot. Each card listing an event, represents a scene in your show. Does the story have a clear beginning, middle and end?

 

Step 6

Edit! Edit! Edit!

Eliminate events that repeat more often than necessary. Try removing index cards from your outline of the plot. How does the story hold up? Eliminate dialogue that doesn’t move the action forward. Are there places where the characters can show us how they feel, rather than telling us how they feel? How long do you want the show to be? 15-20 minute presentations are ideal.

 

Step 7

Narrator

Decide if a narrator is needed. Sometimes a narrator is useful for explaining transitions in location or time.

 

Step 8

Cast the show.

As part of the tryouts, read through the show several times, switching actors as you go. Make sure that a student who has expressed interest in a role has a chance to read it at least once.

 

Step 9

Rehearse the show.

In rehearsal, you will face three main challenges: getting the students to speak loudly and clearly, allowing time for everyone to memorize lines, (if no scripts) and getting the students to face the audience while speaking on stage.

 

Step 10

Keep costumes and props simple.

Make the flock all wear white for ease and conformity. Use masks held up by craft sticks.  (See mask links above)