Readers Theatre Benefits

Readers Theatre ( or Reader’s Theatre or Readers’ Theater) is a great group activity for people of all ages. 

Unlike Book Clubs for adults, members don’t have to read a whole book before they arrive at club meetings. 

In a Reader’s Theatre group, members just turn up, get handed a script, are allocated a character and read the lines out loud. 

The play can be discussed after the reading, and It’s great fun and an easy relaxing way to spend time with like-minded friends. 

In schools, Readers Theatre is a great way to develop children’s reading skills, increase confidence and make them think about personal and social issues they may be shy about discussing. 

If you want to start a Reader’s Theatre group here are some tips. 

Getting Started

Consider your participants when selecting scripts, make sure the reading level is consistent with the readers’ abilities.

Highlight scripts for individual roles, this helps keep the readers focused on their lines.

Use consistent method of presentation; consider using binders or lecterns for readers to hold scripts.

When first introducing RT, use performance ice-breakers to create a comfortable atmosphere for participants.

Planning and Promotion

Have 2-3 scripts on hand in case you have more participants than roles; this will give you plenty to do to last through the entire program.

Materials, props, etc needed before first program

• There are two styles of RT: with props and without. Some would say that true readers theater does not use props, but with younger children you may find the overall experience and program is more enjoyable with the use of props and background.
• Be sure to have the correct number of copies of the script for each role.
• If using microphones, set up prior to program.

Promotions

• Create in-house flyers or have children create flyers for additional involvement.

Creating Your Own Script

Use established scripts that are recommended for Readers Theatre or adapt your favorite book or story

• Scripts and tips for scripting can be found in various resources on Readers Theater. (See bibliography that follows.)
• Look for pieces that have a lot of dialogue and lead to a surprising, heartwarming or funny conclusion. Consider how many characters will be needed; it works best when there are at least five roles.

Sample scripts that were adapted from published texts. 

• The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy
• Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
• The Library Card by Jerry Spinelli

Copyright: Are you infringing?

• Fair use is in play when you consider four factors.
  • What is the purpose and character of the use?
  • What is the nature of the copyrighted work?
  • What amount of the copyrighted work is used in relation to the whole?
  • What is the effect of the use upon the potential market value of the copyrighted work?
• Use your adapted scripts for a performance in or on behalf of the library, but do not publish it in any way without permission from the author and/or publisher. This includes posting it on the Web.
• In general, adapting a copyrighted work for educational use such as Readers Theater is considered “Fair Use.”

Read More at Readers theater: A “how to” guide , Association for …