Build an acting scene deciding the place, profession, and age
Create and perform a short acting scene by choosing the setting, a character’s profession, and age; write dialogue, use simple props, and rehearse.
Step-by-step guide to create and perform a short acting scene
Step 1
Decide the place where your scene happens and say the location out loud.
Step 2
Pick a profession for your character and say the job out loud.
Step 3
Choose the character’s age and say the age out loud.
Step 4
Give your character a name and say the name out loud.
Step 5
Choose 1 to 3 simple props from the Materials Needed to use in your scene.
Step 6
Use paper pencil and colouring materials to make or decorate the props you chose.
Step 7
Write a short dialogue of 6 to 12 lines that shows your character acting in the chosen place.
Step 8
Set a timer for 5 minutes and rehearse your lines alone until you can say them smoothly.
Step 9
Rehearse the scene once using your props and ask a family member to watch or help.
Step 10
Share a photo or description of your finished acting scene on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have the colouring materials listed in Materials Needed to make the props?
If you don't have the colouring materials listed in Materials Needed to decorate your props, use stickers, torn magazine pictures, fabric scraps, colored paper, or colored tape glued onto the paper props instead.
My child can't say the lines smoothly during the 5-minute rehearsal—what should we try?
If your lines aren't smooth after the 5-minute rehearsal, break your 6–12 line dialogue into 2–3 small chunks, rehearse each chunk with your paper props for two short timed repeats, and then run the whole scene once.
How can we adapt this activity for different ages?
For ages 3–5, choose one simple place and profession, use a single large paper prop and a 3–4 line dialogue; for ages 6–9, keep a 6–8 line dialogue with 1–2 props; for ages 10+, aim for the full 6–12 lines, make more detailed paper props and rehearse once with a family helper.
How can we extend or personalize the acting scene after finishing the basic steps?
To enhance the scene, create a cardboard backdrop decorated with your colouring materials, add a simple costume piece for your character, record the performance with a phone, and then share the photo or video on DIY.org as the instructions ask.
Watch videos on how to create and perform a short acting scene
Acting Tips for Kids
4 Videos
Acting Tips for Kids
Anyone Can Act | Acting Lessons For Kids | Acting Tips For Beginners | How To Act
"How You Say It" Acting Game for Kids
ACTING FOR KIDS - Episode 1 (Acting 4 Kids)
Facts about drama and theater for kids
🎭 Ancient Greek actors wore large masks so one performer could play multiple characters and be seen in huge outdoor theatres.
🤹♂️ Improv games help actors build quick thinking and teamwork — great for inventing characters and surprise moments in a scene.
🎩 A single prop, like a hat or a tool, can instantly suggest a character's profession or personality to the audience.
👵🧒 Actors make age believable by changing voice, posture, and movement — kids can easily play older or younger roles with practice.
⏱️ Short, focused rehearsals (5–15 minutes) repeated a few times often boost confidence and improve a performance faster than one long run-through.
How do I build and perform a short acting scene with my child?
What materials do I need to create a short acting scene at home?
What ages is this acting scene activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of creating and performing short acting scenes?
Make things. Learn new skills. Share safely.
DIY is a creative community where kids draw, build, explore ideas, and share.
No credit card required