It’s bedtime, the children are eagerly awaiting their story. Mum or Dad are exhausted at the end of the day. All they really want is to get the children to sleep so peace and calm can reign once more. The book is chosen, Mum or Dad inwardly groan, slowly open the book and read it. Occasionally, some not so subtle, but tactical ‘skipping a few pages’ editing may occur to speed the process along.
If this scenario sounds painfully familiar to you, you are not alone, but let’s spend a few minutes discussing how we can make the experience better for the parent AND the child.
Do you remember all those make-believe games you played when you were a child? Cops and Robbers? Witches and Fairies? Did you play those roles with gusto? I bet your witch would have had a brilliant evil cackle. I have a sneaky suspicion your Policeman said, " 'Allo, 'allo, 'allo, what 'av we 'ere?" in a deep, commanding boom. And so on, you get the point. If you could do it as a child, you can certainly do it as an adult. As someone once said to me, adults are really just children with longer legs!
So how do we find that 'Inner Child’ hidden for far too long, who could be very useful when reading stories to our children? As an actor myself, I suggest that if you can 'find that inner actor' who also dwells within, you will automatically find 'your inner child' too!
So I am setting you a challenge: tomorrow night at bedtime, before you open the storybook, shut your eyes, take yourself to a quiet place, think, if I were an actor, how would I approach the characters in the story? Would they all sound the same in a slightly harassed and tired parent voice or would they have their own unique voice? When I approach a new role, I always remember 'The Three ' 'W's': WHO they are, WHERE they are, and WHAT they are doing.
If you keep the 'W's' in mind, the story will take on a life of its own! Let your child do some of the voices too - make it interactive. If you find surplus stores of energy suddenly as you get into character, everyone can chip in with sound effects, and a bed, pillow and duvet can become remarkably diverse props if you let your imagination run riot! It doesn't take much to raise a story up from the pages and bring it to life, you just have to remember that child within, and that inner actor who can help you rediscover that young, fun-loving part of yourself (with slightly longer legs).
Happy Storytelling!
About Abigail
Abigail is a professional storyteller, educational actor and writer. She writes, creates and develops her own performances, works with schools, and collaborates with other artists “When I bring Jewish books to life, I feel even more of a thrill and responsibility- to honour the tradition into which I was born, keep to the truth of the words and make it a relevant, fun and meaningful experience for the next generation”.
To contact Abigail, email abigails2000@gmail.com.
May 25, 2016