| A child's participation in a good cultural play is a great | | | | production or working area for actors during a play. |
| experience. They develop self-respect, become more | | | | The space for the production should be large enough |
| confident, build high self-esteem, become a part of a | | | | for the cast to make a large circle holding hands. |
| successful team, and so much more. | | | | - Props are important in a stage production. They |
| The success of any play depends on preparation and | | | | should be easily assessable and clearly label with |
| commitment. Also the more effort parents, teachers, | | | | information on its use during the performance. |
| children, and others put into the play's production and | | | | - Give good stage directions. Make sure the children |
| become a team, the more chances of a great show. | | | | know when and where to enter or exit during the |
| Black History Month is an excellent time to stage a | | | | production. |
| play about the trials and contributions of | | | | - Schedule plenty of time consistent rehearsal. The |
| African-Americans. | | | | recommended rehearsal time is 2 hours a day, 2 to 3 |
| Here are some tips to help you produce a successful | | | | times a week. You should be ready for full production |
| African-American children's play for Black History | | | | in 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Month. | | | | - Allow time for plenty of "sanity" breaks. Have the |
| - Choose a cultural script or a script about Black | | | | children stretch and take deep breaths before |
| History. Find various plays and let the children decide | | | | rehearsals and the performance. This will help the |
| which one they want to take part in. | | | | children become focused and clearheaded. |
| - Make copies of the scripts for the children before the | | | | - Keep all rehearsal upbeat, fun, and exciting. Everyone |
| first meeting or day of rehearsal. | | | | involved must have a good positive attitude. |
| - Complete the personal information form and | | | | - Make sure everyone contributes to the overall |
| character sheets on the first day of rehearsal. The | | | | production. Everyone ideas can improve the production |
| personal information form contains the children's name, | | | | with many personal touches. |
| telephone number, address, and a person to contact in | | | | These tips will help you in your production. Remember |
| case of an emergency. Children use the character | | | | to take it one day at a time and always remember |
| sheet to give their ideas, thoughts, or opinions about | | | | that you are working with children. When it looks like |
| the life and personality of character they are playing. | | | | everything is going wrong have plenty patience and |
| - Keep plenty of pencil and paper handy. Children may | | | | faith in the success of the play. When you give your |
| need to note stage directions, minor changes to the | | | | best, the children will give theirs. Have a good show |
| script, or jot down lines they are having problems with. | | | | and good luck. |
| - Make sure there is plenty of space for the full | | | | |