Catriona's Castle. We did this a couple of years ago for my daughters' joint party. It was a blast. She provides the sets and narrates and the kids act it out and say the lines she feeds them. If a child was too shy to participate there were group parts or they could be the audience. My kids and their friends are still talking about it two full years later.

http://www.catrionascastle.com/

We did an Imagination Stage party once and it was awesome. DD was 6. She still says it was one of her favorite BDs.

You could also talk to one of the dance studios and see if there is a musical theater teacher who'd be willing to do an acting party instead of a ballet party. We were able to do a hip-hop dance party at a studio that normally features ballet parties.

Encore Stage does birthday parties in connection with its shows. The kids don't get to act, but the actors (also kids) from the show come down to the birthday party space and meet everyone (in costume) and then the party kids get a backstage tour before the show (and then attend the show, of course). We did it once for my daughter's birthday party and it was fun and easy (and not very expensive).

Anonymous wrote:Contact your local high school and hire a few kids to come over to do theater games or improv. They may be able to do neat make-up, too. I bet you could find people who were interested.

I'm a HS theatre teacher and think this is a great idea. You could pay them or they could do it for SSL hours.

Contact your local high school and hire a few kids to come over to do theater games or improv. They may be able to do neat make-up, too. I bet you could find people who were interested.

Anonymous wrote:Would ALL the kids for sure be interested in this, or just your DC?

None of the 5yo I know would touch acting on a stage with a ten foot pole! Maybe to watch a play, but to act? No.

what, kids LOVE to put on performances. Bring some costumes and instruments, have an adult with a little know how and a simple little play. No kid wouldn't love that.

We did one at Glen Echo and the kids saw a show (not acted in one - it was a performance). For 5 year old and it was terrific. Even kids normally not into theater loved it.

I think Glen Echo or Imagination stage might also have a stage combat class -- maybe on of their teachers could teach it for a birthday party? Or just hire a high school kid from drama program or one of those places to lead it - you can find someone.

Would ALL the kids for sure be interested in this, or just your DC?

None of the 5yo I know would touch acting on a stage with a ten foot pole! Maybe to watch a play, but to act? No.

Anyone been to one or done one? Something where the kids can get on stage and "act"? For 5 year olds. Thanks!