How to Add a Funny Commercial to a School Play

One of the easiest ways to give more students meaningful stage time in a school play is to add a commercial during the performance. (Fake of course, but that’s where the creativity of the kids comes in!)

Yes — a commercial.

This simple theater trick has become one of my favorite classroom drama activities because:

• kids love it,
• parents laugh every time,
• and it gives smaller roles something memorable to do.

I’ve used this technique in multiple productions over the years, especially when working with large casts, homeschool groups, and middle school drama classes.

Why Add a Commercial to a School Play?

Sometimes you have students with:

• only one or two lines,
• non-speaking roles,
• or kids who want more involvement backstage and creatively.

A short “sponsored by” commercial solves that problem while adding energy and humor to the show.

It also teaches students:

• script writing,
• comedy timing,
• prop creation,
• collaboration,
• directing,
• and performance skills.

In many ways, it becomes a mini-play inside the play.

Examples I’ve Used

Pirate Insurance — Treasure Island for Kids

During one production of Treasure Island, students created a fake “Pirate Insurance” commercial inspired by Geico and Allstate commercials.

The pirates explained why every pirate needs protection from:

• cannon accidents,
• mutiny,
• parrots,
• and poorly buried treasure.

It was ridiculous.

The audience loved it.

The Pitchfork 5000 — Frankenstein for Kids

ShakeSpotify — Shakespeare Edition

One student group even created “ShakeSpotify,” complete with a fake Shakespeare rap playlist and a “Henry the Beat” music segment. (run during a Henry V for Kids summer camp)

Honestly? The creativity kids come up with is amazing when you give them ownership.

How I Run the Activity

Here’s the structure I usually use:

Step 1: Choose 3–4 Students

I pick a small group of responsible students.

Usually students with:

• smaller roles,
• good creativity,
• or strong comedic instincts.

Step 2: Assign One Leader

Very important.

If nobody is in charge, nothing gets finished.

One student becomes:

• director,
• organizer,
• or lead writer.

Step 3: Set a Time Limit

I recommend:

• 1–2 minutes maximum.

Short and funny works best.

Step 4: Approve the Script

I let students create most of it themselves, then I:

• tweak pacing,
• remove anything inappropriate, (kids LOVE all sorts of inappropriate jokes!)
• and help sharpen jokes if needed.

Step 5: Let Them Own It

The students usually handle:

• props,
• rehearsal,
• blocking,
• costumes,
• and performance ideas.

That ownership is where the magic happens. (and chaos, depending on your perspective)

Where to Put the Commercial

I typically place it:

• halfway through the play,
• during a natural transition,
• or during a set change.

I’ll step onstage and say something like:

“We hope you’re enjoying tonight’s performance, but first — a quick word from our sponsor.”

The students run on, perform the commercial, then exit.

Afterward I’ll say:

“And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.”

Parents love it.

Kids love it.

And suddenly students with tiny parts become some of the most memorable moments in the show.

Best Ages for This Activity

This works especially well for:

• upper elementary drama,
• middle school theater,
• homeschool groups,
• beginner acting classes,
• and large-cast productions.

FAQ

Can students write the commercial themselves?

Absolutely. In fact, that’s the best part.

How long should the commercial be?

Keep it under 2 minutes.

Does this work for Shakespeare plays?

Yes — especially Shakespeare. Kids love parodying modern ads inside classic stories.

What if students are shy?

Commercials are often easier for nervous students because they feel playful and less “serious” than traditional scenes.

Can this help with large casts?

Definitely. It’s one of my favorite ways to give extra students meaningful stage time.

Final Thought

Sometimes the moments audiences remember most are the unexpected ones.

A silly fake commercial in the middle of a school play:

• keeps energy high,
• gives students ownership,
• and creates unforgettable theater memories.

And honestly?

The kids usually come up with better ideas than the adults.