Place the Actors

Grade level

Grades 3–5

Time

About 20 minutes

Topic

The stage and stage directions

Answer key

Yes, page 2 of the PDF

Kids practice

Naming the nine stage areas, Telling stage left from stage right, Following stage directions, Reading a stage plan

What kids do

Printed on the sheet:

1. Where does each actor stand?
2. R = Robot stands upstage left. F = Frog stands upstage right. C = Cat stands center stage.
3. D = Dog stands stage left. M = Monster stands downstage right. B = Bunny stands downstage center.
4. Write each actor’s letter in the right area.
5. Now you: write three stage directions for a partner to follow.
6. 2. Then cross to

Words on this sheet

usruscuslSRCSSLdsrdscdsl

Teacher tip

When the letters are placed, have six kids stand in those spots at the front of the room so the class can check the plan.

How to use it

• Stand at the front of the room facing the class to show stage left and stage right with your own body.
• Tape a grid of nine areas on the floor and let kids walk to each one as you call it.
• Read the box at the top of the sheet together, then try the first item out loud as a class.

Watch for

Thinking upstage means higher up. It means the back of the stage.

Talk about it

• Why do you think directions are named from the actor’s side?
• What did you change in your voice or body to show that?

Take it further

Have kids write blocking for a scene from a reader’s theater script.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.