DIY: Let’s put on a show like The Punkydoos!

The following is a guest post by Jennifer Jackson as part of the Punkydoos Blog Tour.  

One of my favorite summertime activities as a child was putting on talent shows with my friends. We performed everything from original dances to pop songs that got the audience singing along. One year we even performed a trunk show of the musical ANNIE. I drew on these memories when I wrote my first picture book, The Punkydoos Take the Stage. It’s the story of a little girl with a VERY BIG VOICE. She starts a rock band and puts on a back yard concert, of course!

If you’re looking for a summer activity for the Punkydoos in your own life, have them try these how-to talent show tips:

1. Practice, practice, practice! It doesn’t matter what you decide to perform (an instrument, gymnastics, a puppet show), be sure you practice a lot. That way you won’t forget your routine at show time. And don’t be afraid to get creative. You can show off your new dance moves, perform a scene from a movie, or read a poem that you wrote yourself. Still stumped? Sing your favorite song! You can even make a microphone. Check out this craft project from Sprout:


photo from sproutonline.com 

Supplies:
- Cardboard tube from toilet paper or paper towel roll 
- Aluminum foil 
- Stickers, crayons, or makers 
- Streamers or ribbons 
- Glue or tape 

Instructions:

- Decorate your cardboard tube with stickers, crayons, or markers.
- Glue or tape ribbons or streamers to the bottom of the tube.
- Wad a piece of foil that’s big enough to stick out of the top.
- Glue or tape the foil to the top.

2.  Set the stage. You can perform anywhere—a porch, a yard, even a neighborhood park. Transform your space with some very simple items. To create a backdrop, use bright plastic table clothes or a string of streamers (see example below from Project Wedding). Just tie them between two trees or across a swing set and you’ve got your stage.


photo from projectwedding.com

3.  Recruit your audience. Make your own tickets and give them out to friends and neighbors. Include the time and location of your show so people know when and where to show up. If you don’t have chairs for the audience, remind them to bring a blanket to sit on.

4.  Show time! Be sure to decide the order of the show in advance so that no one is confused. And it’s always good to have an emcee announce each act before it begins.

So…Your costume is on. Your routine is ready. Now take a deep breath—it’s time to take the stage, just like The Punkydoos!

Learn more about the author of this post at www.jenniferjacksonbooks.com.  You can also learn more about the Punkydoos at the official blog! 

Wanna Win?  We are giving one lucky reader a chance to win the Punkydoos Take the Stage book!  This rocking new picture book not only encourages readers to find their voice and follow their dreams, but also includes the original Punkydoos song “You’re a Punkydoo” on CD in the back of the book!

To be entered to win, just comment on this post with what talent you would share in a talent show!  You have until July 20th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. One per person.  U.S. 18+ only.