10 Essential Resources for Reader Theater or Readers Theatre

Reader Theater, also known as Readers Theatre, is a unique form of theatrical performance where actors use scripts and minimal or no props. It involves reading out loud, emphasizing vocal expression, and using gestures to convey emotions. This style of theater is gaining popularity among educators, actors, and drama enthusiasts due to its simplicity, emphasis on reading, and its ability to engage both performers and audience members. If you're interested in exploring Reader Theater, here are 10 essential resources that can help you get started:

1. Scripts and Texts

The heart of Reader Theater lies in the scripts and texts available. There are numerous websites and books where you can find a wide range of scripts suitable for different age groups and themes. Check out websites like ReadWriteThink, Playscripts, and Storynory for a variety of script options.

2. Learn from Experts

Learning from experts can greatly enhance your understanding of Reader Theater. Look for workshops, webinars, or online classes conducted by experienced actors or drama educators. They can provide valuable insights into performance techniques, script analysis, and the overall process of Reader Theater.

Readers on Stage: Resources for Reader's Theater (or Readers Theatre),With Tips, Scripts, and Worksheets, or How to Use Simple Children's Plays to Build Reading Fluency and Love of Literature

by Aaron Shepard(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

3. Props and Costumes

Even though Reader Theater relies on minimal props and costumes, adding some elements can enhance the performance. Look for resources that provide ideas and suggestions for simple and cost-effective props and costumes. Remember, the focus should always be on the reading and expression, so choose props and costumes that do not overshadow the performance.

4. Voice and Speech Training

Reader Theater heavily relies on vocal expression and voice modulation. Enhancing your voice and speech skills can greatly improve the overall impact of your performance. Look for resources that offer voice training exercises and techniques for articulation, projection, and emotional expression.

5. Online Communities and Forums

Joining online communities and forums dedicated to Reader Theater can be an excellent way to connect with like-minded individuals. These communities often share resources, scripts, and tips, and provide a platform for discussion and collaboration. Look for active forums or join social media groups to expand your knowledge and network.

6. Performance Opportunities

Once you feel comfortable with Reader Theater, it's essential to find performance opportunities to showcase your skills. Look for local theater groups, schools, libraries, or community centers that encourage Reader Theater performances. Participating in such events can help you gain experience and receive valuable feedback.

7. Warm-up Exercises

Before diving into a Reader Theater performance, warm-up exercises can help loosen up your body and voice. Look for resources that provide effective warm-up exercises specifically designed for Reader Theater. These exercises focus on breath control, stretching, and vocal warm-ups, ensuring you're ready to give your best performance.

8. Incorporating Music and Sound Effects

Adding background music or sound effects can enhance the atmosphere and overall experience of Reader Theater. Look for royalty-free music and sound effect websites that offer a variety of options. Make sure the music and sound effects complement the theme and mood of your performance without overpowering the reading.

9. Digital Platforms

With the advancement of technology, various digital platforms offer resources for Reader Theater. Websites and apps provide interactive features, audio recordings, and even virtual performances. Explore platforms like Drama Notebook, Read Aloud Plays, and Livewire to access scripts, audio recordings, and other interactive tools.

10. Practice and Rehearsal

Lastly, practice and rehearsal are crucial in honing your Reader Theater skills. Allocate dedicated time for practice and rehearsal where you can test different performance techniques, work on vocal expression, and fine-tune your overall delivery. Remember, practice makes perfect!

With these essential resources, you can embark on a thrilling journey into the world of Reader Theater. Whether you're an educator looking to engage your students or an actor wanting to try a new form of performance, Reader Theater offers endless possibilities. So grab a script, gather your fellow performers, and let the magic of reading come to life on the stage!

Readers on Stage: Resources for Reader's Theater (or Readers Theatre),With Tips, Scripts, and Worksheets, or How to Use Simple Children's Plays to Build Reading Fluency and Love of Literature

by Aaron Shepard(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22730 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	110 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

****A "CENTRAL TEXT" IN NEW YORK STATE'S COMMON CORE CURRICULUM****

Want to try reader's theater but don't know where to start? Or have you tried it but want to find ways to bring it more to life? Or are you just looking for a fun, easy way to lure young people into reading fluency, cooperative effort, effective communication, and love of literature?

"Readers on Stage" is a collection of resources for scripting, directing, and teaching reader's theater, primarily to ages 8 and up. Part 1 offers three sample scripts to learn from and enjoy: "The Legend of Lightning Larry," "Peddler Polly and the Story Stealer," and "The Baker's Dozen." Part 2 highlights each major aspect of reader's theater -- scripting, staging, and dramatic reading -- offering tips and tricks you're not likely to find elsewhere. For instance, you'll learn how young readers can easily create their own scripts!

Part 3 provides all the plans, notes, handouts, and worksheets from actual reader's theater workshops, ready for copying. Use them to start with reader's theater tomorrow in a classroom or library, or to lead your own workshop for adults. Finally, Part 4 gives listings of additional resources.

Whether you're working with young readers, training teachers, or directing a professional company, you'll want this unique, detailed guide.

NOTE ON THE EBOOK: The sample materials in this book are meant to be fully reproducible -- but as most ebook apps do not allow printing, reproduction is generally possible only from the print edition. For the ebook, these materials are provided for viewing alone.

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Aaron Shepard is the author of many books, stories, and scripts for young people, as well as professional books and resources for writers and educators. He has also worked professionally in both storytelling and reader's theater, as a performer, director, and teacher trainer. Aaron's lively and meticulous retellings of folktales and other traditional literature have found homes with more than a dozen children's book publishers, large and small, and with the world's top children's literary magazines, winning him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. His extensive Web site, visited by thousands of teachers and librarians each week, is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater, while his stories and scripts have been featured in textbooks from publishers worldwide, including Scholastic, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, SRA, The College Board, Pearson Education, National Geographic, Oxford University Press, Barron's, Hodder Education, and McGraw-Hill.