reader's theater

• a method of dramatization that makes use of a group of people reading aloud to tell a story

  reader's theater
• readers stay in one place for the duration of the performance, without blocking


  blocking
• participants are "readers", not "actors"
• costumes are optional. readers can wear their school uniforms or simple identical outfits

  attire
• the stage must be kept simple, there is no need for backdrops or props

  the stage
• a reader's theater is a simplified adaptation of a literary work

  the script
• because the readers do not move around onstage, the audience can focus on the words in the script

  narrative focused
• as there is no character movement, specific backdrop, nor are there particular costumes and make up, the audience must use their imaginations to fill the gaps and bring the story to life in their mind's eye


  encourages the use of imagination
• since there is no movement or elaborate blocking, a reader's theater takes up less time as a performance


  efficient
• a reader's theater does not require elaborate costumes or sets, there is no need to spend much money in order to stage a performance

  cost effective
• as readers are required to read with emotion, the audience may pay more attention to the story since they must listen to it as opposed to simply reading it


  makes understanding the text more fun
• because a reader's theater is focused on the narrative, the audience is enticed to find similar texts or to read more stories in order to stage their own reader's theater


  encourages reading