Nativity Play Planning For Schools

Traditional nativity plays are possibly the easiest option to go for. Everyone in a Christian Country knows the Bible story of Christ's birth so well.

Things to think about are your budget, if you have one. What are the ages of the children you are planning for? Usually, they'd be in the 4 - 7 year old age range. Do you have any confident children who will relish a lead role with a speaking part? Will your cast be acting silently and a narrator telling the story? Will the narrator be another child or a member of staff?

What resources are there already available i.e., is there a manger tucked away from years previous in the drama cupboard? Do you have scenery there too or do you want to design some yourself? Who's good at art that can do that? Is there a pre made stage or will you have to arrange something in the school hall?

Costumes will be needed. Tea towels come into their own here with the greatest need being for the shepherds! Will school be providing costumes or will you be asking parents to make a costume for their child?

Don't forget the use of toy animals and maybe a baby doll too. I once had to drive home and borrow my daughter's toy lamb for one school production at the last minute!! Or maybe you're having real animals? Hay makes a lot of mess by the way!

What music will you select? Traditionally, Christmas carols are used and there's avast selection to choose from. Obviously, with younger children you'll need to pick something easy for them to remember and to start rehearsing in plenty of time for their grand performance.

Flyers and posters will be needed to publicise the grand event. A fun way to do this is to make a competition for the older children to design something you can add text to. All of these things need to be well planned in advance.

Maybe you're considering a change this year from the traditional nativity production? There are many, many options for you to choose from. Perhaps you work in a setting with a diverse community and a Christian religious play might not be suitable so you need to do something more appropriate that all of the children and parents will enjoy.

I live in a Christian country with more and more multi faith students attending our schools. The national curriculum encompasses a variety of religions to educate our children about faiths other than their own. So many children come from families and communities where Christmas isn't celebrated. That's where a non faith celebration production can be beneficial. You are still marking the event of Christmas, but without any obvious religious content.

Of course, many of the considerations for your event will be the same as those of a traditional nativity play.