Writing a Play and Creating a Playbill

So I have to construct a Play in 4 weeks! Meaning write it, practice and perform!

So since I need to jump on the ball so to speak I decided to have my students "help" me write it...since I'm not sure how to do one myself, plus i want them to be part of the process. Anywho....We are doing The Tale of Despereaux...as told by my class in 15minutes Somehow its morphing into an Action packed, Hip-hop love story (they are putting their own spin on it)

Has anyone ever done play writing or the such? Any advice is helpful.

Also I want them to create a Playbill. I have a friend who is getting me an actual broadway playbill that I can use as a template. Any ideas on how to go about this?

Am I over thinking this for only 4 weeks before the curtain rises?

These are 2nd & 3rd graders.

Re: Writing a Play and Creating a Playbill

Do you have to write it? I have a play from my class this year that thy did with the music teacher. I can get you a copy of that.

Re: Writing a Play and Creating a Playbill

such an AWESOME project to do !!!!!

I love the playbill idea, definitely incorporate as much "personalized" stuff in the playbill as possible.
maybe in the back they can have (im drawing a blank as to what its called)
"thanks mom and dad for all the support" Love michael, etc.
OR the opposite "michael we're so proud of you, love mom and dad".

or a little blurb about each student
Michael performing the role of Joseph was born in NYC, etc.

and keep the students as involved as possible, making their own costumes, etc.
maybe ask parents for help of items for scenery (send a list home of things you would need or things you plan to have in the scenery)
one of my professors always said to not be afraid to ask parents for participation, she happened to have parents that workd in certain industries that were able to get many items that she used in her class/activities, etc. and they were more than happy to do it.


I definitely think it's doable !!!

good luck, id love to hear how it progresses !

Message edited 5/13/2009 6:15:22 PM.

Re: Writing a Play and Creating a Playbill

Does it have to be a play or can it be a musical performance?

Re: Writing a Play and Creating a Playbill

I HAVE to write the play, its based on something we did for reading, So we decided on the Tale of Despereaux

We are having a musical performance piece as well towards graduation time...my TA is doing that, hes my music guy

I like the Playbill ideas that sounds mentioned...the blurbs it sounds super fun!

I just dont want to get in over my head, as ive never done this before and I have ZERO dramatic arts talent

I pretty much already have one kid I know is going to design the cover he can draw very well from just looking at something.

Everythings coming together in my head, i just have to put it on paper.

Oh and i tried cheating by seeing if there was a play script of this story and i didnt find anything