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.
Step-by-step guide to Tell Us About Acting
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
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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'.
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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.
