Tell Us About Acting - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Tell Us About Acting

Create and perform a short two minute character monologue, explain acting choices, and record or present it to family to practice expression and storytelling.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Tell Us About Acting

What you need

Paper, pencil, timer or watch, simple costume or prop, adult supervision required

Step 1

Pick a character you want to play.

Step 2

Give your character a fun name.

Step 3

Decide your character's main goal and main feeling in one short phrase.

Step 4

Write a short situation for your character at the top of the paper.

Step 5

Write a two minute monologue for your character on the paper.

Step 6

Choose one voice quality for your character like fast or slow high or low.

Step 7

Choose one physical movement or posture your character will use.

Step 8

Pick one prop or costume piece to help you act the part.

Step 9

Read your monologue aloud once using your chosen voice.

Step 10

Practice your monologue again while using your chosen movement and prop.

Step 11

Time your monologue with the timer and note how long it takes.

Step 12

Edit your monologue to make it about two minutes long.

Step 13

Write one or two sentences explaining your acting choices on the paper.

Step 14

Perform or record your monologue for a family member and say your explanation.

Step 15

Share your finished monologue and your acting explanation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a specific prop or costume piece listed in the instructions?

Use an everyday item like a scarf, spoon, or hat as your prop or costume piece and write which item you chose on the paper during the 'Pick one prop or costume piece' step.

My monologue is coming out too long or too short—how do I fix the timing?

When you 'Time your monologue with the timer' and it's not close to two minutes, cut or combine lines, add short pauses or extra detail, then repeat 'Practice' and 'Time' during the 'Edit your monologue to make it about two minutes long' step.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids shorten 'Write a two minute monologue' to one minute, use simpler goals and one clear movement and prop, while older kids can expand to stronger voice qualities, longer monologues, more complex situations and a detailed 'explanation of acting choices' on the paper.

How can we enhance or personalize the final performance before sharing on DIY.org?

Add lighting or a background, try different voice qualities and movements in multiple takes, get feedback from the family member during 'Perform or record your monologue', and pick the best take to 'Share your finished monologue and your acting explanation on DIY.org'.

Watch videos on how to Tell Us About Acting

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Acting Tips for Kids

4 Videos

Facts about acting and drama for kids

🎭 The word "actor" comes from the Latin verb "agere," which means "to do" — acting is all about doing!

⏱️ A two-minute monologue is usually about 250–300 words, perfect for practicing expression and timing.

🧠 Konstantin Stanislavski developed a system of techniques to help actors connect real feelings and objectives to a character.

🎤 Improv games like "Yes, and..." help actors make quick choices and keep a performance lively — great warm-ups for monologues.

👪 Performing or recording for family is a friendly way to build confidence and get helpful feedback before sharing more widely.

How do you do the "Tell Us About Acting" activity?

Start by choosing a character and a clear objective for a two-minute monologue. Jot down a brief backstory and 5–8 lines or bullet points to guide the speech. Practice using different tones, facial expressions, and body language. Explain aloud why you made each acting choice. Record the rehearsal on a phone or perform live for family, then ask for gentle feedback and try one more take incorporating suggestions.

What materials do I need for this activity?

You only need a few simple things: paper and pencil for notes, a quiet space with a chair or small stage area, and a timer to keep the monologue to two minutes. A smartphone, tablet, or camera is helpful for recording. Optional props or a simple costume piece can boost imagination. A mirror and a family member to watch and give feedback complete the setup.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits many ages with small adjustments: preschoolers (4–6) can tell a short story as a character with parent help; primary school kids (7–10) can write simple monologues and practice expression; tweens and teens (11–17+) can explore deeper character choices and critique performances. Supervision and guidance are recommended for younger children.

What are the benefits of doing this acting activity?

Creating and performing a monologue builds confidence, vocabulary, and storytelling skills. It strengthens emotional expression, empathy, and public-speaking ability while encouraging creativity and practice with feedback. Recording work teaches reflection and self-improvement. Keep topics age-appropriate to ensure a positive experience, and celebrate attempts to boost motivation and continued learning.

Ready to create?