Reader's theatre is often defined by what it is not -- no memorizing, no props, no costumes, no sets. All this makes reader's theatre wonderfully convenient.
Like storytelling, reader's theatre can create images by suggestion that could never be realistically portrayed on stage. Space and time can be shrunk or stretched, fantastic worlds can be created, marvellous journeys can be enacted. Reader's theatre frees the performers and the audience from the physical limitations of conventional theatre, letting the imagination soar.
Almost any story can be scripted for reader's theatre, but some are easier and work better than others. In general, look for stories that are simple and lively, with lots of dialog or action, and with not too many scenes or characters.
Reader’s Theatre at OIS involves parents coming over to read a story to the kids. Children are later asked to have oral reading through reading parts in scripts. Unlike traditional theatre, the emphasis is mainly on oral expression of the part. Reader’s Theatre is "theatre of the imagination". It involves children in understanding their world, creating their own scripts, reading aloud, performing with a purpose, and bringing enjoyment to both themselves and their audiences.
Reader’s Theatre gives children a purpose for writing, for reading, and for sharing their learning by bringing others into the joyful "imagination space" they create. Children interpret their understanding through a concept map. It is a simple, effective and risk-free way to get children to enjoy reading. As children write, read, perform and interpret their roles they acquire a better understanding of the literature.
"Everyone needs to talk - to hear and to play with language, to exercise the mind and emotions and tongue together. Out of this spirited speech can come meaningful, flavourful language, worth the time and effort of writing and rewriting, phrasing, rehearsing, and reading aloud."
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