Direct actors
Direct a short scene with friends or stuffed animals, plan actions and cues, practice giving clear instructions, blocking, and using expressive voice.
Step-by-step guide to direct a short scene
How Actors Enter and Exit Auditions (Video Acting Lesson) (Acting classes for kids, Los Angeles)
Step 1
Pick a simple story idea for your short scene like a surprise party or a treasure find.
Step 2
Invite friends or choose stuffed animals to be the actors in your scene.
Step 3
Find a clear open space to act in where everyone can move safely.
Step 4
Write a short scene outline on paper with a beginning a middle and an end.
Step 5
Assign roles by giving each actor a character name and a short job to do.
Step 6
Plan one action or cue for each line or movement and write a quick note beside the line.
Step 7
Decide where each actor will stand and walk by marking spots on the floor or drawing the stage.
Step 8
Pick an expressive voice and a clear emotion for each character and practice it.
Step 9
Practice giving clear instructions and one-word cues to each actor so everyone knows when to move or speak.
Step 10
Rehearse the whole scene at least three times while everyone follows the blocking and cues.
Step 11
Start the final performance and get everyone ready in their marked spots.
Step 12
Direct the scene during the performance by giving your cues and using your expressive voice.
Step 13
Share your finished creation 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 stuffed animals, floor tape, or paper for the scene outline?
Use action figures or family members as actors instead of stuffed animals, mark spots with painter's tape, stickers, cushions, or a rug if you don't have floor tape, and jot the short scene outline on index cards, a tablet, or the back of recycled paper.
What should we do if actors keep missing their cues or the blocking gets messy during rehearsal?
Make big one-word cue cards, rehearse the whole scene at least three times as the instructions say, and re-mark each actor's spot on the floor so everyone can follow the blocking and cues more easily.
How can we adapt the activity for much younger children or for older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children simplify to a very short beginning-middle-end outline with stuffed animals and single-word cues and obvious floor marks, while older kids can add emotions, longer lines, detailed blocking, and practice expressive voices and cues from the instructions.
How can we extend or personalize the scene after the first performance?
Add homemade costumes and props, draw a backdrop or stage markings on paper, write unique actions beside each line as in the plan step, and record the final performance to share on DIY.org.
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Facts about theater and drama for kids
🎭 Directors often start rehearsals with quick improv games to spark creativity and build fast-thinking skills.
🧸 Many young performers practice scenes with stuffed animals or puppets first to feel less nervous and more playful.
🎬 The role of the modern theatre director as we know it didn't become common until the 19th century.
🧭 The term "blocking" comes from early directors using wooden blocks to map actors' positions on stage.
🗣️ Using an expressive voice and clear cues grabs kids' attention and makes scenes easier to follow and remember.
How do I direct a short scene with my child and their friends or stuffed animals?
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