First Practice

We had our first Hamlet practice this morning. Actually, we didn't get to practicing, but we discussed the play, acting, the schedule, and all that stuff. The boys were just eager to get on with whacking at each other with swords (We brought a bag of cloaks, robes, swords, and daggers as props, as instructed, but I think bringing the swords was a mistake.) and the girls were silly because the boys were silly. Or maybe just because a group of girls tends to be silly. Katie wasn't silly (she saves that for at home). Happily, one of our moms, Jennifer, has real acting experience. She has generously (bravely... or something) volunteered to take charge of teaching the kids to act. She started today with trying to have them pantomime various activities. Travis was supposed to pretend to be falling asleep. The kids made lots of guesses -- fainting, dying, being poisoned -- but none guessed right, and no one could blame them. I hope he will settle down once we start reciting.
Katie played Little People "Hamlet" all afternoon.