A preschool fairy tale theater is a creative and educational way to showcase students and all that they have learned in a fun and interactive way. It is a unique end-of-the-year celebration that entire families can enjoy! With all the different aspects of a preschool fairy tale theater, there is a job to fit every student, from the outgoing on-stage performers to the behind-the-scenes jobs for little ones who are not comfortable being in the spotlight. Everyone gets a chance to shine!
Fairy tales have been passed down through generations as an oral storytelling tradition. They are classic and enduring: exciting storylines, repeating patterns, rhyming verses, and the drama of good versus bad— these stories are guaranteed to capture young children’s attention and ignite a spark of creativity!
Selecting the Right Stories for a Preschool Fairy Tale Theater
When choosing stories, it can be overwhelming. There are so many fairy tales! Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Is it a good length?
- How complicated is the text?
- Is there repeating text that the students can all chant together?
- Is the ending appropriate?
- Are there enough parts for students to all participate?
Typically, these four stories are good choices as they fit all the criteria.
Everything you need for an amazing Fairy Tale Theater!
Theater Dramatic Play Fairy Tales
$4.99Take center stage with this Theater Dramatic Play set. Spend time reading and rereading fairy tales with your students. Then, encourage them to act out the stories. For a more authentic experience, invite their parents or another class in to watch the show!
Easy, Print & Go PDF
Behind the Scenes – Setting up for Success
Setting up a fairy tale theatre doesn’t require renting a hall and hiring a sound crew! Here’s all that you need:
- Simple costumes
- Scenery (Created by students is the best, but backdrops work too)
- Some sort of sound system (such as a wireless speaker)
- Props – easily borrowed from the dramatic play area
- Chairs for adult audience members
- A few tables
- Time to rehearse!
Fairy Tale Theater – Costumes
Costumes do not need to be elaborate ordeals. For many roles, a simple paper hat or inexpensive mask paired with a t-shirt is perfect for students to manage. If there are full costumes available, because they’re already in the classroom, have someone on hand to help the students get dressed before the show. (An extra tip – if full costumes are desired, look for them the day after Halloween to get some discounted items!) Don’t be afraid to move on to creative interpretation as well – maybe the Big Bad Wolf is wearing a classic “bad guy” mask and silly mustache. Another tip: setting up the costumes in each student’s cubby is a great way to make sure that everyone gets what they need before the show!
Student Workers
Not every student is comfortable in the spotlight. Even if every single student wants to perform, there are valuable learning experiences when it comes to the different parts that make a theater run! Some of the behind-the-scenes jobs for students include:
- Making the scenery
- Making the signs (tickets, programs, etc.)
- Passing out programs
- Concession Vendors
- Ticket takers
- Seat ushers
- Lights operator (they turn off/on lights if possible!)
Repurpose an art easel to direct patrons to the big show! This art easel displays the show time, the cast list (with students adding their own names), and an “ATM” for any parents who forgot their “money” for tickets or programs! How many early learning skills are in this one image?
Tickets, Please!
When arriving at a theater, tickets are usually collected (or these days, scanned) as patrons enter. In the days before the show, send home a few printed pieces of play money so that parents can “purchase” tickets at the door. Students working at the ticket counter get to practice their one-to-one correspondence as they match up the number of dollars with the number of tickets. Students also get to practice their manners and interact with adults they might not know as well!
Snack Attack
A simple concession stand is a great practice for real-world situations, and it makes the audience more comfortable! Students get math practice when collecting preschool money and distributing snacks, as well as social skills practice when interacting with people they do not know in a safe environment. Literacy skills also get some reinforcement, with the signs, the text on the different packages, and the “money.” Be sure to provide individually wrapped snacks and drinks to prevent germs and spills!
Programs
Programs are a fun way to make it more authentic! Students love to see their names in print. This makes a fantastic keepsake for the parents as well. Be sure to print plenty of extras so students can enjoy them, practice their reading skills, and set up a theater in the dramatic play area after the performance has passed.
In the Spotlight!
When it is finally time for the performance, everyone is excited. Emotions might be bigger, and some students may freeze up or act differently than expected. Be prepared for all situations – even something like a main character coming down with an illness the night before the performance!
There are ways to help with these “jitters” and unpredictable situations. Rehearsing with a practice audience of other classrooms is a great way to get the whole school involved. Younger classes might not sit silently through the performance but are enthusiastic and cheer loudly. This builds confidence for the actors. Another solution is to have the whole class involved whenever possible. This prevents students from becoming bored waiting for their turn and also provides backup for students who are soft-spoken or forget their lines. An adult narrating the story while students act it out or students performing along with a song on a recording are other solutions as well.
Here are some musical versions that are perfect for preschoolers:
- When Goldilocks Came to the House of the Three Bears by Kidzone
- Lots of Little Pigs by the Laurie Berkner Band
- Little Red Hen Song by Andrew Queen
- The Three Billy Goats Gruff The Trip Trap Trapping Song by Adam Guillian
Taking a Final Bow at the Fairy Tale Theater
No matter how the final performance goes, the important thing to remember is that the students and parents alike enjoy sharing this special moment together. When the final curtain closes on the fairy tale theater, preschoolers have had fun playing and learning all about fairy tales and sharing them with their families!
