So, I’ve done dozens of afterschool / homeschool Shakespeare for Kids programs. As well as I’ve seen my plays performed all around the world. And one thing is VERY clear – these kids are creative! I want to pass on one piece of information that’s critical to anyone directing one of my plays: Let the kids harness their creativity, it will AMAZE you! Earlier today, at a rehearsal, I had one of my kids playing Hamlet say his line a about Yorick as “Yo-rick, who was this guy, a rapper?” It was impromptu, but hilarious!
I’m running a Romeo & Juliet currently, and the scene where Tybalt kills Mercutio, Tybalt (who is a big Star Wars fan) comes on stage with a light saber, in which Mercutio says, “Wrong story, dude” and Tybalt says, “oops, sorry” and switches his saber for a sword. Funny stuff!
I’ve seen the R&J play done with a wedding scene where all the kids do the Thriller dance from Michael Jackson. Well choreographed!
I’ve performed Macbeth were the kids brought up the idea of Lady Macbeth being like Darth Vader. So, one kid has the idea that we hum the empire strikes back theme every time she comes on stage. It was awesome, the audience loved it!
The moral of this story is to ALWAYS embrace your kid’s creativity! Run with it! They will own it and it will be that much better!
Creativity spurs original thoughts; original thoughts creates change in the world – let’s keep encouraging our kids to change the world!
