On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids [Paperback]

Lisa Bany-Winters (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Kids learn about theater with games and activities that cover basic theater vocabulary, puppetry and pantomime, sound effects, costumes, props, makeup, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-6?A compendium of theater games that is sure to delight young thespians. While the material is not new and many of the games are classics ("Mirrors," "Change Three Things," and "Freeze"), Bany-Winters has a clear and concise way of explaining both the activity and its purpose, making her work a useful source for ensemble-building games for student-run drama groups and rehearsal techniques for adult teachers/directors. Often renamed for greater child appeal, the activities range from vocal warm ups to improvisational scene work, and many include helpful suggestions for variations on familiar games. Exercises in puppetry, mask making, costuming, makeup, and set design, as well as several short scripts, round out the presentation. Explanations of theatrical terms are smoothly incorporated into the text. Tips for young actors and short anecdotes about theatrical figures or plays are featured throughout. Simple black-and-white graphics add touches of humor. One drawback is the list of "Suggested Plays and Stories for Kids," which includes some titles that are beyond both the abilities and interests of preteens. Nevertheless, this will be a terrific addition to drama collections. Purchase an extra copy for the professional shelf as well.?Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Here's a welcome addition for libraries that have calls for theater-related topics. Bany-Winters, who has taught children's theater, has compiled a varied and interesting assortment of theater games that will stimulate the imagination and get young thespians ready to perform on stage. The games are divided into different categories, among them improvisation, creating characters, using and becoming objects, and ideas for pantomime and puppetry. There are also suggestions for monologues, scenes, and plays. A clean design, highlighted by ink drawings, makes the book accessible for kids who want to use this on their own (though teachers, scout leaders, and other interested adults may be the book's best audience). There are also plenty of tips for costumes, makeup, sets, and props. Glossary; bibliography. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 171 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1st edition (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556523246
• ISBN-13: 978-1556523243
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,069 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Performing Arts > Drama & Theater

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for all Ages!, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids (Paperback)

During my years studying drama in high school, college and in England, I've been exposed to many theatre games and activities. Since my summer school assignment this year was teaching drama to middle school kids, I thought I'd get this book as a back up to some of those games, especially since level might have been an issue. I was so surprised and delighted to see almost every improv, character, voice, etc. activity I've ever done in this book. It is thorough, creative and can be used with any age group, from pre-schoolers to college students. Don't be fooled with the "for Kids" part of the title...some of the games would even be entertaining at adult social gatherings!

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to drama and improvisation, April 9, 1999

By 

Gillian Oman ([e-mail]) (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids (Paperback)

I run The Independent Theatre Workshop - a theatre school for tots to teens in Dublin, Ireland and I am always on the lookout for material for my drama classes. I found this book easy to read and easy to use. Many 'teaching' books are so long winded that you never get far into them. This book follows a clear and logical path taking the young actor from the very basics, through to more complicated improvisations and short scripts in a fun and imaginative way. I often pick up this book and open it at random to select a game or excercise there and then - with great results! The instructions are clear and reader friendly and although every game and activity has a specific 'lesson' to teach, they all without exception actually WORK with children - a rare quality in this day and age when children know what they do and don't like and aren't shy about letting you know it! This is also the perfect book for the non -drama teacher to use to introduce drama into the classroom. Excellent for use with all children from 7 - 12 years (although my teens and young adults love the stuff too!)

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone who has works with children's drama., April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids (Paperback)

I recently taught an enrichment course in drama and used this book as well as others to start off all sessions with the children. My drama students actually started to request that we play the games found in this book more than any of the other games I had available. These theatre activities can be used in concert with any dramatics program out there. It is a wonderful stepping stone for any dramatics instructor to add to their collection.