Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Classic plays performed by elementary school students: recommended works roundup

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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.

Fairy Tales and Folklore (11–20)

Peter Pan

Peter Pan (School Play 2/3)

Peter Pan

Let’s try becoming a fairy flying through the sky! It’s Peter Pan, the Scottish-born tale beloved around the world.

It’s especially famous as a picture book, an animated film, and a live-action movie, isn’t it? Just recalling that scene where the hero Peter Pan fights his archenemy Captain Hook aboard the ship is enough to make your heart race.

With so many characters and scene changes, I think it keeps viewers from getting bored.

Practice well so you can really amp up the action scenes!

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The North Wind and the Sun

Senior Class Presentation: The North Wind and the Sun

The North Wind and the Sun

This is one of Aesop’s fables that everyone has heard at least once.

It is widely known for the lesson that things go more smoothly when you are tolerant rather than strict.

Since the story allows for some creative freedom, it might be nice to create an original play based on it.

Watching and comparing different versions—like a play by Class A and one by Class B—could be a fresh experience.

Using a screen to show a gigantic sun or a fierce wind is one option.

Incorporating projection mapping would make the production even more wonderful.

If you add creative staging, it’s especially recommended for upper elementary and middle school students.

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Little Red Riding Hood

Playtime Club - Acorn Team [Play: Little Red Riding Hood] [Song: Ho! Ho! Ho!] [Instruments: It's Great to Be Human]

Little Red Riding Hood

It’s one of the most famous fairy tales in the world—so famous that it’s included in the Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Since there aren’t many characters, you could even rework the story by having multiple actors for each role, like five Little Red Riding Hoods and ten wolves.

The plot is simple and the lines are easy, so it’s perfect for a preschool play.

If the story feels too short, it might be nice to add a scene where the Little Red Riding Hoods dance in the forest.

Everyone wearing matching red hoods would surely look adorable.

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Cinderella

Theatrical Company Tōshō Musical “Cinderella”

Cinderella

It’s one of the most famous fairy tales, and to this day it has spawned numerous derivative works.

While the main storyline is set, it’s a piece that lends itself very well to adaptation—as you can tell from the sheer number of spin-offs—so with the right idea, you might be able to bring out strong originality!

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In conclusion

Each of the plays for elementary school students we introduced this time has its own unique features and charm.

There are many points to consider, such as directing techniques that can change dramatically with small ideas and ways to bring out each character’s personality.

Work together as a class to create precious memories.