Clear the space of distractions e.g. toys, food, balloons, swings etc., so as to maximize the children’s involvement in the drama. Experience has shown that distractions can easily disrupt the flow of very excited children.
Please encourage co-operation from the children so as to make the most of the interactive time. The actor is not responsible for dealing with stray children as their focus needs to be on the children engaged in the acting process. The children remain the responsibility of the client.
Adults are encouraged to participate or to provide an attentive, participatory audience for the children. However, it is very distracting for the children if adults are chatting in a corner. If you think best please provide a separate space for any adults present. They can be invited back in at the end of the drama session to see a 'showing' of the children's work.
For children under 5 it is essential that parents/adults present participate. As the children are so young their attention span can wander and they need an adult to bring them back to the action. The actor’s responsibility is to the core of children who remain engaged and he/she cannot stop and go after strays as this would disrupt the flow. The participation of parents/carers enhances the experience for the very young who naturally emulate the behaviour to the adult they trust most.
Keep us informed of any changes to the theme or any additional ideas so we can incorporate it into the drama
We suggest you invite the children to come in costume to suit the theme !
