Lisa Bany-Winters - Show Time!: Music, Dance, and Drama Activities for Kids

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Bany-Winters, Lisa

Show time! : music, dance, and drama activities for kids / Lisa Bany-Winters.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

Summary: Introduces the concepts of music, dance, and acting, suggesting how to create a musical production through games and role-playing and describing all aspects of a show from auditions to curtain call.

ISBN 1-55652-361-0

1. MusicalsJuvenileProduction and directionJuvenile literature. 2. MusicalsHistory and criticismJuvenile literature. [1. MusicalsProduction and direction.] I. Title.

MT955 .B218 2000

782.60232083dc2l

99-045339

Cover and interior illustrations and design: 2000 Fran Lee

The author and the publisher disclaim all liability for use of the information contained in this book.

2000 by Lisa Bany-Winters
All rights reserved
First edition
Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
814 North Franklin Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
ISBN 1-55652-361-0
Printed in the United States of America
5 4 3 2 1

Fon Michaela

and everyone who will play with her

I d like to thank Stephanie and Joe Albright, Nancy and John Bany, Martin Bany, Carley and Vincent Brackett, Ginni Brackett, Fran Brumlik, Hylin Burrows, Alison and Erica Cherry, Geoff Coates, Martin de Maat, Ann Elyachar, the Emanon Theater Company, the Evanston Arts Camp, Everybody Move, Inc., Leslie Felbain, Larrance Fingerhut, Richard Friedman, Dan Gold, Larry Grimm, Gymboree, Laura Holliday, Amy Harmon, Kristie Hassinger, the Highland Park Arts Camp, Ashley Hugen, the Illinois Theater Association, Margaret James, B.J. Jones, Barbara Kanady, Ruth Kane, Hope Kaye, Marcy Konlon, K.D. Kweskin, Karen LaShelle, Sarah Levine, Susie Lindenbaum, Jason Long, Jason Lubow, Laura Maloney, Nora McCready, Kristie McGonagle, Anthony McKinney, Ed Nishioka, the Northlight Kids Improv Class, the Northlight Theatre, the Old Town School of Folk Music, Ron Packowitz, Sheldon Patinkin, Jerry Proffit, Danny Robles, Lisa Rosenthal, Peter Rybolt, Dr. Seuss, Cynthia Sherry, Cheryl Sloane, TeenStreet Theatre, Klahr Thorsen, Chas Vrba, K. Michelle Walker, Katrina Wandel, Janie Weisenberg, Wiggle Worms, Brian Winters, and Devorah Zion.

Id like to thank the original cast for the plays listed in . The cast for Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett, and Sluefoot Sue included Joe Albright as Paul, cow, book learning folk, and a coyote; Chas Vrba as the King of Sweden, Creampuff Fatty, Davy, Pa, and a coyote; Barbara Kanady as Tim Ber, book learning folk, Ma, and a coyote; Marcy Konlon as Sourdough Slim, the Panther, and Sue. The cast for The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff included Janet Tuegel as the Wolf, Mama Bear, and the Troll; Kerri Smith as Pig 3, Papa Bear, and the Little Billy Goat; Joe Albright as Pig 2, Goldilocks, and the Big Billy Goat; and Rachel Pergl as Pig 1, Baby Bear, and the Middle Billy Goat. The cast for Alice in Wonderland included Stephanie Albright as Alice; Joe Albright as the White Rabbit; Klahr Thorsen as The Queen of Hearts; Brian Winters as the Mad Hatter; Anthony McKinney as the March Hare, Geoff Coates as the Duchess and the Doormouse, Danny Robles as the Cook and the Caterpillar, Ed Nishioka and Jason Lubow as the Cheshire Cat.

M usicals are often our first introduction to the theater. Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and other family musicals are the first plays many young people see. Dance classes often start at age three, and children begin to sing almost as soon as they can talk.

Everyone who enjoys singing, dancing, acting, or watching musical theater will enjoy the games and activities in this book.

A performer who can sing, dance, and act is sometimes called a triple threat. In this book you will find a triple threat of activities. Music, dance, and drama are all part of musical theater. They provide three times the fun whether you are a fan, a game player, or an aspiring triple threat.

Teachers, directors, and choreographers use games and activities to prepare performers for their shows. Games are a fun way to practice performance skills and develop self-confidence. Parents can play many of these games with their children while at home, in the car, waiting in a doctors office, and any other time you have a few minutes to spare. Singing, dancing, and acting are wonderful things for a family to do together. You can even create your own family songs, poems, or shows to perform at holidays and other gatherings.

The History of Musical Theater overviews where theaters been and shows how far its come. It also lists important musical theater terms, identifies who does what job, and what everything means. Here youll not only find information on the history of musicals, but also musicals about history, such as 1776.

Musical Themes divides musicals by their themes or topics. If you have a favorite musical, or will be performing in one, youll find games and activities here that may fit the theme of your musical and enhance your enjoyment of the performance.