Make a fashion show or film
Plan and create a mini fashion show or short film with costumes, simple props, and a storyboard; practice teamwork, creativity, and basic stagecraft.
About this activity
Plan and create a mini fashion show or short film with costumes, simple props, and a storyboard; practice teamwork, creativity, and basic stagecraft.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Gather your team of friends or family who want to help.
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Step 2
Choose whether you will make a fashion show or a short film.
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Step 3
Pick a fun theme for your show or film like space jungle or retro party.
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Step 4
Assign one role to each person such as model director prop maker or costume helper.
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Step 5
Draw a simple storyboard or run list on blank paper showing the order of outfits or scenes.
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Step 6
Collect clothes and accessories from around your home to use as costumes.
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Step 7
Choose one outfit for each performer that matches your theme.
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Step 8
Make simple props from cardboard or paper using scissors tape and glue stick.
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Step 9
Decorate your costumes and props with coloring materials and attach clips or safety pins if needed.
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Step 10
Set up your small stage area with props placed where performers will stand or walk.
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Step 11
Rehearse your show one or two times practicing each person’s role and timing of cues.
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Step 12
Ask an adult to help record a short video or take photos of your final performance.
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Step 13
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I plan and put on a mini fashion show or short film with my child?
Start by choosing a theme and sketching a simple storyboard that lists scenes or runway looks. Assign roles—director, actors, costume designer, camera operator, and stage manager—and plan a timeline. Create quick costumes and props from household items, rehearse blocking and lines, set up a safe stage or filming area with good lighting, record multiple takes, then edit clips into a short film or prepare cues for a live show.
What materials and tools do I need to make costumes, props, and film a mini fashion show or short movie?
Gather old clothes, hats, scarves, fabric glue or basic sewing supplies, safety scissors, tape, cardboard and markers for props, and basic craft supplies. You’ll also want a smartphone or camera with a tripod, lamps for lighting, paper and pencils for storyboards, a speaker or phone for music, and a simple editing app. Keep safety pins, tissues, and a small first-aid kit handy.
What ages is this activity suitable for?
Suitable ages vary: toddlers (2–4) can enjoy dressing up and walking a short runway with close supervision; preschoolers (4–6) take simple roles like models or prop assistants; school-age children (7–11) can plan storyboards, design costumes, and help operate a camera; teens (12+) can direct, edit, and manage technical elements. Adapt complexity, supervise tools, and limit session length for younger kids.
What are the benefits and safety tips for kids doing a mini fashion show or short film?
This activity builds creativity, teamwork, storytelling, planning skills, and confidence. Kids learn costume design and basic stagecraft while collaborating. For safety, supervise scissors, hot glue, and electronics; secure loose fabrics and cords to prevent trips; choose flame-resistant materials; keep performance areas clear; and rehearse movements slowly. Focus on positive feedback, limit editing screen time, and celebrate effort over perfection.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of cardboard or a glue stick for making props?
Use cereal boxes or the back of a drawing pad as cardboard and swap a glue stick for white school glue, clear tape, or a stapler when making props from cardboard or paper.
Our props keep falling apart and safety pins snag costumes during rehearsal—what should we do?
Reinforce prop seams with extra tape or folded cardboard tabs and replace safety pins with clothespins, fabric clips, or small pieces of double-sided tape when you rehearse to prevent snags.
How do we adapt this fashion show or film for different ages?
For preschoolers pick one simple role and use stickers and one short rehearsal, for elementary kids assign clear roles and draw a basic storyboard on blank paper, and for tweens/teens create detailed run lists, complex costumes, and two full rehearsals.
How can we enhance or personalize our final performance before sharing on DIY.org?
Create a themed backdrop or props decorated with coloring materials, add a phone soundtrack and a short credits scene, and ask an adult to record the final performance to upload to DIY.org.