The plays we have posted here will work best with some adult involvement.  Here are some pro tips:

 

Before the child reads a Stay At Home Play

The plays on this site have been screened for their appropriateness for children.  It’s possible that our views of appropriateness may not match your own. As you would for any other website, please exercise caution and read any work you download prior to giving it to your child.  This will ensure your child gets the most out of StayAtHomePlays.com

 

It’s useful to have multiple hard copies of the script but if you can’t print it out at home, you can read the script from a tablet or phone.

 

Before the child attempts to read the play aloud, you should read the play to the child, regardless of the child’s reading level. Be as animated as possible. You are demonstrating for the child where the jokes are and what the characters are like so the child becomes interested and motivated to read.

 

You may want to have the child follow along in their own script while you read. 

 

Review vocabulary with the child. Some plays have a separate vocabulary page. 

 

Look at the prop list. You and your child will want to assemble beforehand any props you may need. Be creative. You may not have all of these objects home but feel free to adapt, substitute or pantomime.

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If you are working with children who need special accommodations, or have an IEP, please feel free to adapt these plays any way you see fit.

 

While the child reads a Stay At Home Play

When the child reads aloud, they do not have to read the script correctly word-for-word. What is important is the child’s intention.

 

Encourage the child to try out different roles in the play.

 

Try not to over-direct, or over-teach (over-acting is fine!).

 

Let the child take charge. If you are reading a role in the play along with your child, allow them to direct you.

 

Encourage multiple readings for different audiences.  Video conferencing is a great way to reach people outside your home.

 

Observe the formalities of play-making: curtains, audience seating, curtain speeches, and curtain calls. Plays are events, even those that are done in your living room can feel like one.

 

After a child reads a Stay At Home Play

Applause! Of course! 

 

Important information regarding the use of these plays

No one on this site is making money. Writers are waiving their royalty fees and donating their work, gratis. They have done that because they share our concern for the well-being of children during quarantine restrictions. Our writers love theater and believe that the arts are an important resource that should be accessible to all children.

 

It is very important for adults who intend to use this site understand that this work is to be used for home use only.  Sharing these plays on a public platform such as YouTube and Facebook is not allowed.  If you want to use a play for any other purpose than what is described here, please contact us.  While we do not act as agents to promote any of the writers on this site, we will reach out to them on your behalf.