Kids Acting

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and you wished you could be in it? This happened to me. I have acted in three plays, Moana, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and recently, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. My favorite was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The set had colorful lollipops bigger than me, a garbage chute and a tube with chocolate in it. I was cast as Grandma Georgina and an Oompa-Loompa.

The first day of every session we always introduce ourselves and play games like Poison Dart Frog. Right after that, we audition in front of the whole group for characters we like. I get excited watching everyone try out. Sometimes we don’t get the part we want, but that’s okay because every part matters.

We continue to practice 2 hours every week for almost 4 months. In a normal class we practice our lines, we use cues to know when it’s our turn to speak and play games. Then we experiment with different voices like a babbling baby, crackling voice, or even a German accent. We add our movements and stunts later. Right before the production we have a technical rehearsal. We get to put on costumes, see the set and practice with the sound and lights.

Opening night can be bittersweet. I’m happy to perform in front of my family, and sad I will not see my casting friends again. I think this is just another way to enjoy stories with our imagination. If you like a story, try it out! I think you can do it, too.