Drama based programs can be exceptionally rewarding to instruct as it is magical to watch children learn, explore and gain confidence under your leadership. It is important to take the time to engage the group right from the start, finding out early in the program what most interests them, and gearing the program to their likes. Improv games are a wonderful way to finish a class as students generally love them and they allow the group to leave on a high note. If you should find in your planning that you need additional supplies — books, props, scripts, costume pieces etc. just let us know — we have a wealth of theatrical supplies and would love to support your program in any way we can.
Note that the age range for your group in this program could range anywhere from kinders to grade 4. Lessons should be chosen and planned with age-appropriate activities always top of mind. Email Liz if you’d like help with this.
Abracadabra! Join us to explore the mystical world of magical arts and theatricality! This program offers a strong focus on dramatic presentation as students learn how tricks come to life! We’ll learn loads of tricks – maybe how to make cards appear, coins disappear or read people’s minds – all while fine-tuning our critical thinking skills, as well as enhancing fine and gross motor skills. If you’ve always wanted to mystify an audience, this is the program for you! Join us this term for a truly magical experience!
Step into the magical world of Wicked and learn fun, beginner-friendly tricks inspired by the wonders of Oz! In this hands-on program, young magicians will discover simple illusions, sleight-of-hand tricks, and playful performances that will leave their audience amazed. With a little imagination and a touch of theatrical flair, they’ll build confidence, creativity, and stage presence—just like the stars of Wicked!
Note: For this program, Instructors should find weekly inspiration in the magic and wonder of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked stories, movies and musicals. The tricks listed below may be taught and performed, but the Instructor should change the names or the descriptions to embody the theme. Some suggestions for simple changes can be found here – and will be printed for you as a part of your program supplies.
See the Magic Packing List here.
NOTE : On the last day of the program, students may be sent home with a gift bag (provided in your supplies) containing materials needed to perform some of the tricks they have learned over the term. Please take the time to carefully create these bags immediately BEFORE the start of the last session so that you aren’t scrambling at the end of the class. Do not pack the bags early as they may get crushed in your supply storage – this is what your students are taking home and what the parents will see – it should look and feel of top quality. Please ONLY send “consumable” materials such as paper, paperclips, mini animal toys etc. A deck of cards may be sent home if students have learned to perform a card trick.
Some suggested tricks for this program are below (and there are many more available online!) – remember to combine lessons and elements in each class to keep your group engaged.
In addition to teaching various tricks to your group, take time in each session to teach students about performing – encouraging them to practice in front of each other and to develop their magical stage persona. Portions of your lessons can be used to develop skills in gross and fine motor skills, stage presence, memory, speech speed, vocal tone and quality and presentation skills.
A note from our Senior Team: When planning your lessons, avoid the use of cards except with the oldest student who will have the hand strength, dexterity and skill/understanding needed to execute these tricks. Also – be sure that YOU practice the trick multiple times before you teach it – you cannot “learn-on-the-spot” in this program.
Jumping Rubber Band
Supplies needed:
- elastics
The French Drop
Supplies needed:
- coins, dowels (magic wands)
- colourful duct tape, ribbon and pipe cleaners (have the group decorate their wands!)
Torn and Restored Napkin
Supplies needed:
- napkins or paper towel (and magic wands noted in the above lesson!)
Jumping Paperclips
Supplies needed:
- strips of paper, pre-cut
- scissors
- paperclips
Disappearing Crayons, Multiplying Coins, Disappearing Toothpick, Magic Tube, Disappearing Coin
Supplies needed:
- mini crayon boxes, scissors
- paper plates, paper, scotch tape, scissors
- toothpicks, scotch tape
- large cardstock, scotch tape, fabric scraps
- clear cups, coloured cardstock, glue sticks, coins
Cap Transfer, Telepathic Crayons, Empty Box, Quarter Trick, Marker Trick, Pencil Trick, Link Paper Clips, Suction Cup, Sticky Notes:
Supplies needed:
- markers
- crayons, multi pocket pouches
- coloured cardstock, black cardstock, scotch tape, dino or animal toys
- coins, foil, construction paper
- pretend money bills, paper, pencils, sharpeners
- paper strips, scissors, paperclips
- paper, rulers
- sticky notes, scissors
- cardstock, rulers
- markers
5 Easy Card Tricks
Supplies needed:
- card decks
More:
There are many great resources online to inspire and teach you easy tricks for kids. See the links below, or search for more on your own (note that you may not have all the supplies for these tricks in your bin) and let us know if you need any additional supplies to teach them.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl_Mr_4JZwk
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H25b20XHDLU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qAkL10kWAI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzxFZQSA-Kc
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gSJq4LTFeI
Magic Packing List
Additional items may be requested by emailing Liz at any time. Please give at least 1 week notice when requesting supplies.
| QUANTITY | ITEM | |
| PAPER | 1 folder | white paper |
| 1 folder | cardstock (colourful) | |
| 1 folder | black cardstock | |
| 1 folder | construction paper | |
| 1 folder | large white paper | |
| 15 | sticky note pads | |
| OTHER | 1 container | coins |
| 1 package | pretend paper money | |
| 1 container | paperclips | |
| 1 bag | dino/animal toys | |
| 15 | decks of cards | |
| 4 containers | toothpicks | |
| 1 container | rubber elastics | |
| 25 | paper plates | |
| 25 | clear cups | |
| 1 roll | aluminum foil | |
| 4 rolls | duct tape | |
| 5 rolls | scotch tape | |
| 5 | glue sticks | |
| 1 bag | fabric ribbon | |
| 1 bag | magic scarves or fabric scraps | |
| 1 bag | pipe cleaners | |
| 1 bag | napkins (or 2 rolls paper towel) | |
| 15 | new bandanas | |
| 15 | multi pocket pouches | |
| 15 sets | mini crayon boxes | |
| 1 bag | markers | |
| 1 bag | crayons | |
| 1 bag | pencils and sharpeners | |
| 15 | 30cm rulers | |
| 1 bag | scissors | |
| 20 | small gift bags (for last day) | |
| FOR OZ-SOME MAGIC | 1 copy | Oz-Themed Magic Tricks resource |