How to Make a Play

How to Make a Play

Teachers: We suggest you introduce one or two concepts a day before seeing the play.

A PLAY…

A play involves many artists working together. The artists who create the different parts are performing artists, visual artists, writers and musicians. Here is a description of what they do.

THE SCRIPT…

The script of a play consists of what the characters say (DIALOG) and do (ACTION). The Playwright is a WRITER. If desired, please see the activities READ ALOUD-A Scene from the Play and THE PLAYWRIGHT-Lee Cataluna

CHARACTERS…

The people or animals that inhabit the story. Actors play the CHARACTERS and rehearse the DIALOG and ACTION. An actor is a PERFORMING ARTIST. If desired, please see the activity MEET THE ACTOR-Sean Choo.

COSTUMES…

What the actors wear to show their character. The Costume Designer draws a plan to make the COSTUMES.

SETS & SCENERY…

The things that show where the play is happening. The Set Designer draws a plan, builds the sets, paints the scenery

PROPS…

Are the small things that the actors carry and use in the play like a broom or some donuts. The Props Master or Designer makes or collects the props.

MUSIC AND SOUND EFFECTS…

Music creates feeling and excitement. The sound effects are special noises like squeaky doors. The Sound Designer/Composer creates music, sound effects, and is a MUSICIAN.

The Director guides all the DESIGNERS and ACTORS. The director makes sure their ideas work together. The director also rehearses the actors.

See how the artists work together at HTY! And guide students to write about their experience with the Study Guide Activity WRITE A REVIEW.

Click Here to download a PDF of this activity.