by Ondrea Goranson
It's amazing how two cardboard boxes overflowing with hand-me-downs, last year’s fashions and other miscellaneous, rarely used items can turn a classroom into a magical stage. Dramashop was full of eager faces and even more eager hands as I introduced two boxes of costumes and props to the first and second graders. The assignment was simple: create a short skit by using the various props and costumes in each box. I had several performance suggestions prepared, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary! As the creative juices started flowing, it was a pleasure to witness the students immerse themselves in a world of make-believe.
Milandra, Daddiz and CJ settled on a medieval theme, stemming from Milandra's assertion that she absolutely must be a beautiful princess. The boys gathered a trophy, Frisbee, bracelets, gift boxes and a baseball bat to present to their princess. Milandra declared Daddiz, sporting a pirate’s eye patch, to be her prince. Meanwhile CJ, who was pumping up with a ten-pound dumbbell, was to be her slave. The action escalated to a sort of wrestling match between the boys and after several moments I interrupted with, "End Scene!”
As the second group of students took the stage. Jurnee and Madison, decked out in pearls, purses, and sparkly pink shoes, opened the scene by reading a newspaper. I noticed Mickela, their third castmate, waiting patiently to come on stage.
"Oh my goodness!"
"Oh no! What should we do?"
"I know!"
"We'll call Mickela, I bet she has an umbrella." True to dramatic form,
I found myself filled with joy as the students pranced around, such innocence and imagination at work! I thanked God for the opportunity to provide these children with a positive escape from a reality that is seldom filled with such carefree wonder. Together we experienced a moment of pure silliness and make-believe.
