Examples of Drama for Kids: Understanding Dialogue and Stage Directions

📚 Quick Study Guide

🎭
• Dialogue: The words characters say. It moves the story forward and shows us who they are.
🗣️
• Stage Directions: Instructions in a play that tell actors what to do and how to say their lines. They're usually in parentheses or italics.
🚶‍♀️
• Character: A person or creature in a story.
📍
• Setting: Where and when the story takes place. Stage directions often describe the setting.
💡
• Example of Dialogue:
  Character A: "Hello!"
  Character B: "Hi, how are you?"
✍️
• Example of Stage Direction: (Character A enters, smiling)
🎬
• Purpose: To help actors understand the story and bring it to life on stage.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following BEST describes dialogue in a play?
   1. The instructions for the lighting crew.
   2. The words the characters say.
   3. The music played during the performance.
   4. The scenery on the stage.
2. What is the MAIN purpose of stage directions?
   1. To tell the audience when to clap.
   2. To give actors instructions on their actions and delivery.
   3. To list the props needed for the play.
   4. To provide a summary of the play's plot.
3. Which of the following is an example of a stage direction?
   1. "I can't believe it!"
   2. (She sighs and looks away.)
   3. "What time is it?"
   4. "The sun sets in the west."
4. If a stage direction says '(angrily)', how should the actor MOST likely deliver their line?
   1. In a quiet, soft voice.
   2. In a happy, cheerful tone.
   3. In a loud, upset manner.
   4. In a confused, questioning way.
5. What does the setting of a play refer to?
   1. The actors' costumes.
   2. The place and time where the story happens.
   3. The number of acts in the play.
   4. The price of the tickets.
6. In a script, where are stage directions typically found?
   1. At the end of the play.
   2. In parentheses or italics.
   3. In bold letters.
   4. At the top of each page.
7. Why is understanding dialogue important for actors?
   1. It helps them remember their lines.
   2. It helps them understand their character and the story.
   3. It helps them design the costumes.
   4. It helps them build the set.