ONCE UPON A TIME
by Lucretia Voigt
Most of the kids I know are natural born actors. They begin by mimicking our every move and sound. I know because I have had the distinct honor of having my children repeat things better left unsaid.

Once they get tired of mimicking, however, the real acting begins. My son Holbrook can turn on the tears and looks of despair at a moment's notice. If they gave an Oscar for "Best Actor in a Temper Tantrum", he would be a multi-year winner.

What do you do when your child shows a natural propensity for the art of acting? You take him to the theatre!

Now, as a mom, I can tune out kids whining and screaming during any production, be it a movie or a play. I have decided to say it's a finely honed skill, like marathon running or meditation. It sounds so much better than "selective hearing" or "chronic deafness". Other people, however, are not so lucky, and tend to be bothered by loud children. That makes the theatre and movies a problem.

Theatre Workshop of Nantucket is trying to right these wrongs, however. Their "Story Time With a Princess" makes theatre accessible to all ages. There is still one more chance to join in the fun on Tuesday, July 17 at 5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 2 Centre St.

Another option is to take your child to Theatre Workshop's production of "Cinderella". When introducing kids to theatre, it is important that it be an age-appropriate event. Cinderella foots the bill (catch that double entendre?).

Theatre Workshop's production of "Cinderella" will keep any kid's attention because of the beautiful costumes, catchy music and fast pace. While I would never condone children causing a ruckus and running amuck, people at children's productions are usually a little more tolerant of the occasional whine, loud question or inconvenient bathroom break. "Cinderella" begins today at 5 p.m. at the United Methodist Church basement, and continues its run on Wednesdays through Saturdays until July 28.

For toddlers and older kids, there is still a chance to get in a week of drama camp with the Theatre Workshop. The last Drama Camp will be held July 16 through 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church.

Live theatre is so important to children. It fires up their imagination, allows them to believe that anything is possible, and can help you get rid of some of that excess energy. "How?" you may ask. By giving them the idea to put on their own live theatre!

If you have a bevy of children, live theatre is easy with some dressup clothes as costumes and sheets for drapes. Let them make up their own stories using improv and songs. If they are old enough, they can write them down as scripts so they are saved to embarrass them with years later.

Another way to engage your child in live theatre is to make puppets. Puppets are easy to make with papier mache. There are several good recipes for papier mache. One uses flour, but I have found that it tends to mold rather quickly here in the Nantucket summer humidity. My favorite recipe is easy: two parts white glue (like Elmer's) and one part warm water. Mix well, and you are ready to papier mache!

Other items you will need are: newspaper, small branches, small balloons (water balloons work best), markers or paint and some rags or old clothing.

Blow up the water balloons so they are the size you want for your puppet's head. Tear newspaper into strips (another way to recycle those Independents!). Dip each piece of newspaper into the papier mache mixture, slide it between two fingers to remove any excess and apply the newspaper to the balloon. You want a few layers, but not too many. Once you are happy with the head, let it dry. Put it out on the deck and then use this time to get some sun with the kids.

Once the head is dry, pop the balloon and remove it. Insert a small branch into the hole left by the balloon tie. If there is some excess room, you can papier mache the stick onto the head. This will be the body. Tie another small branch onto this branch to form the arms. Using string, wrap it around the arm stick and the body stick until they are secure.

Cut up some rags or old clothes to create a beautiful outfit to fit your character. The only thing left - give your character a face and hair by using paint or markers.

After making a few puppets, kids can put on their own productions or enlist their friends to help out. Make sure you record their productions on a camcorder so you can enjoy it later - with the proud grandparents the loving godparents, and possibly those dinner guests who never know when

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