Thursday, September 04, 2014

Secret Agents Discover True Meaning of Christmas

A Sunday School Christmas Play



We may have only crossed over into September, but it's not too early to start thinking about directing your church’s Sunday School Christmas Play.  You may be thinking, "You are out of your mind, Kathleen; directing is not for me."  First of all, it’s okay.  A lot of people are afraid to take on the task of directing a children's play.   However, if you follow the basic steps I have outlined below, you will find that directing a children’s play is easy, fun, and can be just the “re-charge*” you need! 

Basic Steps for Directing a Children’s Christmas Play

1.       Choose a play.  In choosing a play, consider the    
a.      age of the children you have to work with  
b.      gender you have to work with.  Girls tend to be more eager to be in a play than boys. 
c.       length of the play.  How much time will the children have to perform the play?        

2.      Select the cast.  In casting the play, consider
a.    the reading ability of the children – Are the children old enough to read?  Will the lines need to be memorized?   
b.     roles that are “age-appropriate” for the children you have to work with.   
c.   whether any of the children may have special needs.  Make sure each child can participate in some way. 

3.       Schedule rehearsals.  You will need to
a.    decide how many weeks you have to rehearse and how long each rehearsal will be.   You can start out practicing only 15 to 20 minutes and then increase the time as you get closer to the program.  I recommended having at least one Saturday dress rehearsal the week before the program.  If you provide food after the dress rehearsal, the children will attend! 
b.    decide if you need to teach the children any songs.  Try to use songs or melodies they already know.    

4.      Gather costumes.  Make sure to
a.      make a list of the costumes and props each character will need
b.     ask for help from a teen or other adult in pulling costumes together

5.      Spread the word.  Make sure to  
a.     announce/post the date and time of the play in your church bulletin/newsletter as soon as possible
b.    ask the children and their parents to invite friends and family

6.      Relax!  On the day of the play, consider
a.    nerves – both you and the children may feel a little nervous.  Say a prayer with them before the program that God will bless the program so they can tell others about the birth of Jesus and the real reason for the season.   
b.     your props.  Are props set where they need to be?
c.     parents love seeing their children in a Christmas play!  Again, I say, relax!

If you don’t already have a Christmas program in mind, you are welcome to use a play I wrote last year entitled, Secret Agents Discover the True Meaning of Christmas.  The children in my congregation performed the play last year and had a great time.  You may customize it as necessary. If you would like a copy of the play sent to you, please send a request via The Mom Squad Facebook page.    

*Now that you are all “re-charged” and excited about directing a play, be sure to attend “Re-Ignite with the Mom Squad” at Root Candle Company in Medina on Saturday, September 20, 2014.  Root Candle and 95.5 The Fish are sponsoring this special, half-day program where fun, encouragement, and shopping are on the agenda for the day.  Brooke Taylor will be there with all The Mom Squad ladies!  Root Candle is offering a special discount (September 20th only) for all who attend the event.  While you’re thinking about Christmas, make sure you pick up lots of candles while you are the event for everyone on your Christmas list.  

For more information about the event and to order your tickets, visit:

The Mom Squad is looking forward to meeting you on September 20th

Sincerely,  

Kathleen



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