Lesson 6: Overview
REHEARSING, REFINING, AND GETTING READY TO PERFORM
Overview:
Today is all about getting comfortable on stage! Kids will warm up with a cheesy joke challenge, practice using stage tools (like a microphone or open space), and refine their comedic storytelling performances using the ISG structure (Introduction–Story–Goodbye).
They’ll focus on building a strong stage presence, giving and receiving feedback, and learning how to feel confident — even when they’re nervous.
Objectives:
- Practice delivering lines on stage using voice, movement, and timing
- Explore and apply the elements of stage presence
- Rehearse performances using the ISG format
- Reflect on performance readiness using peer and self-feedback
- Use the Comedic Storytelling Rubric to assess progress
Materials Needed:
-
Student Notebooks
or Seed Notebooks
-
Sticky
Notes
SUL Lesson 6:
Rehearsing, Refining, and Getting Ready to Perform Handout
SUL Lesson 6:
Cell phones or tablets for video recording
(optional)
SUL Lesson 6:
Cheesy Jokes
(pre-cut strips or printed handout)
SUL Lesson 6:
Comedic Storytelling Rubric
(1 per student)
SUL Lesson 6:
Two-Star and A Wish Feedback Handout
Lesson 6: Part 1
Mini-Lesson:
Cheesy Joke Warm-Up & Stage Presence
1. Review - What is Stage Presence?
What makes someone great on stage — even if they’re nervous?
Post these Key Stage Presence Elements and discuss each:
- Posture – Stand tall, don’t fidget
- Eye Contact – Look at the audience, not the floor
- Voice – Be loud and clear enough to be heard
- Pacing – Don’t rush — pause for laughs or dramatic effect
- Facial Expression – Match your mood to your story
- Movement – Use hand gestures or the stage if it fits your story
Remind kids – You don’t need to be loud or dramatic to have stage presence. You need to be clear, connected, and confident in your own way.
2. Cheesy Joke Challenge
Before we jump into rehearsing, let’s warm up! Comedy is all about delivery — so we’re going to practice that with some seriously cheesy jokes.
- Hand out one pre-cut or slip-per-kid joke.
- Give kids a minute to read and silently rehearse their joke.
- Invite each kid to come to the front, introduce themselves, and deliver the joke using the ISG format (yes, even for a cheesy joke).
- Encourage the audience to clap and laugh loudly after each one.
3. Sticky Note
Kids pair up and answer this question:
- What helps a performer seem confident—even if they’re nervous?
Each pair writes 2–3 ideas on sticky notes and posts them to a class “Stage Presence Wall.”
Review and group ideas with the class.Prompt deeper thinking if needed.
Lesson 6: Part 2
Workshop Time – Practice & Peer Review
1. Guided Practice – Rehearse in Trios
- Break into groups of 3
- Each kid performs their story using the ISG format
- (Optional) Record the performance using a phone
or tablet - After each performance, group members give
Two Stars and a Wish feedback, focusing on:- Use of ISG
- Stage presence
- Delivery and pacing
Encourage positive, specific feedback like:
- “I liked how you paused after the funny part—gave us time to laugh.”
- “You made great eye contact with the audience.”
2. (Optional) Independent Practice – Watch & Reflect
Kids watch their recorded performances and fill out a self-evaluation using the Comedic Storytelling Rubric, focusing on:
- Stage presence
- Comedic delivery
- Use of structure (ISG)
Seed Notebook Reflection Prompts:
- What did I do well on stage?
- What felt awkward or rushed?
- What do I want to improve before the final performance?
Lesson 6: Part 3
ReFlection and ConFidence Boost
Group or partner discussion:
- How can I prepare so I feel calm before I perform?
- What tricks or strategies help performers manage their nerves?
- What’s one thing I’m proud of about today’s performance?
Encourage kids to write one confidence booster in their notebook:
- “Next time I perform, I will remember to…” (e.g.,breathe deeply, slow down, smile at the audience)
Extend:
At home, kids should practice their performance 3 to 5 times, either in front of a mirror, family, or friends —utilizing ISG and projecting a strong stage presence.
Encourage kids to watch a short stand-up clip and reflect on how the performer utilizes space, timing, and voice.