Classic plays performed by elementary school students: recommended works roundup
Plays performed at elementary school arts festivals and graduation ceremonies are important events that leave lasting memories for children.
For a truly memorable stage, you’ll want to choose pieces that let each child’s individuality and growth shine.
Still, many teachers and parents may be worried that “the classics are too boring” or that “the scripts are too difficult.” In this article, we introduce enjoyable plays suitable for elementary school students.
By creating a wonderful production together with classmates, it’s sure to become a cherished memory.
- Recommended Plays and Musicals for Cultural Festivals, School Festivals, and School Performances
- [For Elementary Schools] Recommended Exhibits and Recreational Activities for a Cultural Festival
- Recommended plays for a high school cultural festival: popular, crowd-pleasing ideas
- [One-Shot Gag] A roundup of sure-fire skits that will definitely get elementary school kids excited!
- Performances that liven up an elementary school thank-you party! A collection of ideas everyone can enjoy
- Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that will liven up any event
- [Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party
- Recommended performance ideas for elementary school (middle grades) cultural festivals and learning presentations
- Cultural Festival: Ranking of Popular Booth Ideas
- [For Middle Grades] Simple Magic Tricks for Elementary School Students: Fun Magic Everyone Will Love!
- [For Upper Grades] Simple Magic Tricks for Elementary School Students: Astonishing and Impressive Magic
- [Middle School] Cultural Festival Attractions: A roundup of popular exhibits, games, and stage performances
- Ideas for stage events and attractions that will liven up a school festival
Popular anime characters (1–10)
Super Mario
How about a play based on Mario, one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters? When you think of Mario, you probably associate him more with video games than with theater, but in 2023 the film The Super Mario Bros.
Movie was released and became a hot topic! With its colorful, instantly recognizable costumes and characters that everyone knows, choosing Mario as your production would surely delight audiences of all ages.
Sazae-san
Many people are probably familiar with the nationally beloved anime Sazae-san.
It’s perfect to perform at a school cultural festival.
It warmly portrays a traditional family, making it easy to assign roles and highly recommended.
Try performing it with some original episodes while keeping the lively atmosphere unique to cultural festivals.
Imitating the costumes and hairstyles might make the stage even more exciting.
It may also evoke a sense of nostalgia or leave everyone feeling warm and relaxed.
Popular Anime Characters (11–20)
Spirited Away
How about performing this famous and popular Studio Ghibli work as a play? Since it has many characters, I think it’s perfect for classes with a larger number of students.
There are characters like No-Face as well, so turning it into a parody and adding things like No-Face’s inner thoughts could be interesting.
Ninja Hattori-kun
If you’re doing an impression of Takamori Saigō, just add “-don” to the end of your sentences; for a Chinese person impression, add “aru yo” like “XX aru yo” at the end and it will kind of look the part.
In a Ninja Hattori-kun play, even if you’re not that good at acting, just add “de gozaru” to the end of your lines and you’re already a proper Hattori-kun.
There are lots of distinctive characters like Kenichi, Shinzo, Kemumaki, and Shishimaru, so it might be a good piece for a large cast.
Of course, I think it’s fine to have multiple Hattori-kuns too! The password is “gozaru.”
One Piece
One Piece is one of the works loved all around the world, isn’t it? I bet there are many families where both parents and children are fans.
The charm of its diverse characters makes the story so engaging.
It would be great if you could convey Luffy, the pirate who loves freedom and adventure, his care for his crewmates, and the importance of friendship.
The colorful vibe of the characters and their lively movements would also shine with energetic performances by children.
There are many touching episodes and themes, but please try performing a theme that’s perfect for kids.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Among Studio Ghibli works popular with elementary school students, I’d like to recommend Kiki’s Delivery Service for a play.
The protagonist Kiki is 13 years old, which might make her feel relatable to younger students.
Plus, distinctive characters like the cat Jiji and Tombo would be adorable and amusing when played by children.
Kiki’s Delivery Service also explores the theme of becoming independent in the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Through performing the play, the children may learn something or gain new insights.
SPY×FAMILY
SPY×FAMILY is a story about three people and one pet who live together while hiding their respective abilities and identities.
It leans more toward comedy than serious developments, so it’s popular with kids.
Anya Forger, an elementary schooler, is especially beloved by children, and many like to cosplay as her.
With distinctive character traits—like reading minds or being incredibly strong in a fight—it seems perfect for an engaging stage play.
Plus, the stylish rooms and furniture in SPY×FAMILY are can’t-miss highlights.
Try incorporating some creative touches into the stage props, too.