Over years of writing and directing Playing With Plays scripts and working with directors all around the globe, there are several tools that I’ve learned directors love to use. I’m consolidating them here in this simple Director’s toolbox. Please note, most of these tools are specific to directing Playing With Plays scripts.
First: Cast size – How many actors are needed for a particular script. That is answered here.
2nd: Casting help – Character Line Count – How many lines per character, per script? This really helps when knowing what actors to double up or which roles to split between actors. You can find character line quantities here.
3rd: Setting up a weekly afterschool or homeschool program or a 1-week summer camp. These are the basics to run your own successful program or even your own business!
Now, there are MANY other avenues to go down for learning about drama in your school or organization. Here are some quick links you might find handy:
- How to add a commercial (fake! and created by your kids!) into your shows!
- My super-awesome hilarious audition process.
- Need to get your administration on board with the power of drama in education?
- Need some help with costumes and props?
- Actor’s simple bio sheet – great for downtime when teaching camps.
- Media release form – generic – you will need to edit it for your business, I’m no lawyer!
- Audition sheet – simple form for actors to write who they want to play.
- My basic week camp schedule.
- Looking for some fun Drama warm-up games or ice-breaker games or a fun name game?
- Looking for some quick and SUPER FUN drama games – look no further!
- Looking for some simple Stage Direction games? Here you go!
- Looking for tips to help your kids project their voices? Here’s 6 that should do the trick!
- Want an idea for doing a solo for the kids before camp starts? Here’s a page of videos. (near the bottom, are about 5 videos of me in classrooms performing these “solos”!)
- Want some fun activity worksheets for your kids?
- Looking for plays with more female roles?
- New to teaching drama? Here are my 3 quick tips.
- Setting up your own homeschool backyard show?
- Need to make your own portable sides? Instructions can be found here!
- Need to keep your younger kids occupied? How about coloring sheets for the play you are working on?!
- Need inspiration for Set design, Makeup design, or Costume design? Check out this page and helpful templates.
If you know of something that should be added to this drama toolbox, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know! As well, if you ever have any questions, I’m here to help!
Break a leg!
