Stage Your Own Production

You don’t need an audience to put on a play—perhaps its even better that way. Just have fun with absolutely no inhibitions or stage fright. Most of us have a secret wish to be an actor, and staging your own home production is a fun way to act out that fantasy. Enlist the whole family or invite willing friends to star in your production.

Have fun with this and invite no divas! Don’t invite anyone to participate around whom you might be self-conscious, or who might be overly critical of another’s performance. It’s okay to want to do well, but the emphasis should be on fun. Now, pick a script and put on a show.

How to Make it Happen

First, go to the library and check out a book of plays or a script if they’re available. You can also just act out a scene from your favorite movie. Many Hollywood scripts can be found on www.hollywoodbookcity.com. Once you’ve picked your performance piece, assign every participant a part and start memorizing your lines.

From there you can make it as involved or simple as you please. For added fun, go to a costume shop to rent your wardrobe. You can also try second-hand stores for cheap clothes. Your living room will do just fine as a stage and you can add scenery if you want. Try painting on old sheets, or create cutouts from cardboard boxes—ask your local grocery store for extras they will just discard. Other art and craft supplies, or inexpensive props, can be found at hobby stores and discount chains.

To practice learning your lines, host special “rehearsal” nights. If it’s a family affair, order in pizza and run lines over the pepperoni. If you’re inviting others, make it potluck, and rotate the location between houses. Pick a night for the big event and “break a leg”.

Additional Activities

• Attend a touring production of a Broadway play or musical in your area.
• Pick one of the great playwrights and devote yourself to reading through his or her collection at the local library.
• Support local theater troops by attending a play. Local troops are often very professional, and the smaller venue creates an intimate audience experience.