Directing a kids’ play is one of the most rewarding and challenging tasks you’ll ever take on. I have produced and directed over 15 shows for performers ages 7-16. It is always my favourite project of the year, but putting it together can be trying.
Between managing enthusiastic performers of all different talents while creating a magical production, and keeping your sanity intact, the process can feel like juggling flaming torches.
But fear not! With the right mindset and strategies, you can pull off a fantastic show while actually enjoying the journey.
Here's how:
1. Plan Like a Pro
Preparation is your best friend.
Start Early: The earlier you plan, the smoother things will go. Outline the schedule for rehearsals. Depending on the age of the group I start the first few weeks with theatre games to get everyone comfortable and learn each performer's skill set. In my younger shows we do not do auditions but rather play games for a month and then give performers a a chance to pick their top five roles they would like to play.
Break It Down: Divide the play into manageable chunks (scenes or acts) and tackle them one at a time. For musicals we like to teach the music first and then the chereography. We don't usually visit scenework until later.
Backup Plans: Kids are unpredictable, so have contingency plans for when someone gets sick or forgets their lines. We did a show this summer where we also asked for summer schedules where we made a master list of who was away when so we can plan around.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a master calendar and share it with parents and assistants so everyone knows what to expect. I leave every rehearsal sharing what we are working on next time so kids can prepare.
2. Set Expectations Early
Kids (and their parents!) thrive on clear expectations.
Lay Ground Rules: At your first rehearsal, establish guidelines for behavior. Make them fun, like “Respect the Stage!” or “Be a Good Scene Partner!” This is my theatre rules that I start off every new group with so we are all on the same page.
Explain the Process: Share what rehearsals will look like, what you expect of each performer and why everyone's role is important. In our full shows we only rehearse once a week which means our performers need to put in extra work out of rehearsal. We provide lots of resources and share how to use it! There are constant reminders of these expectations as well.
Communicate with Parents: Keep them in the loop through emails or a private group chat. We create a private webpage full of resources for each show that contains the schedule, music, dance videos and more.
💡 Pro Tip: Send home rehearsal expectations with a fun checklist for younger kids. They’ll love feeling responsible!
3. Keep Rehearsals Short and Sweet
Kids have boundless energy—but short attention spans.
Time It Right: Schedule rehearsals at times when kids are least likely to be tired or hungry. Even during shorter rehearsals we will stop and have a "quick" break for water, snack and bathroom. When the show gets closer our rehearsals get longer and we need to really read the room to see how to best support the performers. Depending on the day they may need to burn energy at the beginning of rehearsal or play a focus game or get right into a warm-up.
Mix It Up: Alternate between active blocking, fun warm-ups, and quiet script work to keep kids engaged. I think it helps when I share the plan for each rehearsal so kids know if we get what we need to done we can play. I always listen to suggestions from my performers as well. It may not always happen but I try my best.
End on a High Note: I always wrap up by sharing what is next for next rehearsal and doing a shake down where we cheer for something for the day. It is part of our theatre tradition, kids know to expect it and they LOVE it.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a visual timer or a countdown song to transition between activities. Kids love seeing how much time is left!
4. Delegate Like a Boss
You don’t have to do it all.
Empower Parents: Assign roles like “Costume Queen” or “Prop Master” to parents who are eager to help. I like to send emails for wish list items because you never know what someone may have in their basement. One year I was looking for something for a swan costume and a mom happened to have a beautiful feathered dress from a Mother Goose Halloween costume, it was perfect!
Student Leaders: Older kids can help mentor younger cast members or run lines with their peers. I love getting Senior performers to help out at rehearsals to earn volunteer hours and either help with the performers or creating set and props.
Backstage Crew: Recruit a few responsible teens or adults to handle backstage chaos during performances.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a sign-up sheet so volunteers can pick tasks they enjoy—less work for you, and everyone feels involved.
5. Embrace the Chaos
With kids, things will go wrong—and that’s okay.
Laugh It Off: If a rehearsal feels like a train wreck, laugh about it and regroup. Kids feed off your energy, so keep things light. There are many times where a game I played the week before fails it can depend on the energy and how everyone is feeling. I have no problem saying "let's save this for another time"
Celebrate the Little Wins: Did Timmy finally project his lines? Did Sarah nail her entrance? Cheer them on! When it gets closer to the show I like to bring little rewards for performers who have been praticing at home or brings lots of energy to their character.
Improvise: Sometimes kids surprise you with their creativity—run with it! I love it when performers make choices for their character.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a “bloopers” reel during rehearsals for extra laughs at the cast party.
6. Focus on the Big Picture
It’s easy to get bogged down in details, but remember why you’re doing this.
It’s About Growth: Your job isn’t to create Broadway stars; it’s to help kids build confidence, teamwork, and creativity. A few years ago I had a huge AHA moment when I relized my programs are all about develop. I didn't want perfection. I want kids to have an opportunity to shine in their own way and fall in love with theatre.
Perfection Isn’t the Goal: Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.
Have Fun: If you’re enjoying yourself, the kids will too.
💡 Pro Tip: At the end of each rehearsal, remind your cast why their play is awesome and how proud you are of them. We play a game on show day where one person stands in the middle of the circle as everyone whispers compliments to them. It is uplifting and a team bonding experience.
7. Tech Week Survival Guide
Ah, tech week—the marathon of theatre!
Keep It Calm: Explain to the kids (and parents) that this is crunch time, but reassure them it’s also exciting. Extra emails are important this week so everyone is VERY clear on who needs to be where and when and what they need to bring/wear.
Run It Like a Show: Treat dress rehearsals like actual performances, so kids know what to expect. This is very important for new performers and share the stage guidelines and rules with them in the space. I create a large bullten board backstage that has a list of every song and scene so kids can follow along backstage.
Snacks and Breaks: Energy dips are real. Keep water and snacks handy to keep everyone fueled.
💡 Pro Tip: Create a “Tech Week Survival Kit” with band-aids, safety pins, tissues, and chocolate (for you). I also like to pack stage tape, a sharpie to mark things, hair ties and bobby pins.
8. Celebrate the Journey
When the curtain closes, it’s time to party!
Cast Party Fun: Plan a celebration where kids can watch bloopers, get awards, and bask in their achievements.
Thank Everyone: A heartfelt thank-you note to parents and volunteers goes a long way.
Reflect: Take time to appreciate the experience and jot down what worked well for next time. I love doing a debrief with performers: What was their favourite part? Did they have enough time? Was there something they would like to change?
💡 Pro Tip: Create “awards” for each cast member (Best Animal Noises, Most Creative Improviser) to make them feel special.
Directing a kids’ play isn’t just about putting on a great show—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for the kids (and yourself). With some preparation, patience, and a good sense of humor, you’ll not only survive the process but love every minute of it. 🎭
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