Submitted by Elissa Reichstein-Saperstein, Otsego Elementary, New York
Idea posted April 17, 2006
When I have kids who do not want to be in a performance, I try to get them involved in "techie" jobs. One year, I had two boys in charge of fixing costumes. They were responsible for sewing buttons, pinning, etc. They also made a list of all the costumes and which belonged to whom. These boys were responsible for making sure that all of the components of the costumes (i.e., hats, fishing poles, etc.) were put away in the correct bags and given to the correct students.
I have also enlisted these "non-performers" for designing our programs and for handing out the programs in the evening. They can also be in charge of lighting (however basic this might be) and curtains. My most "behaviorally involved" kids get to sit right next to me and help with cables, sound, etc.
This year, I also had a "script reader." He felt really important. He would give out lines in case any were forgotten.