Practice recovering from a mistake on stage

What can we use instead of a small rug or strip of tape and index cards if we don't have them?

If you don't have a rug or strip of tape to mark the stage, use a towel or a row of cushions and replace index cards with folded paper, sticky notes, or a phone note app for the five scene prompts and five recovery prompts.

What should we do if the actor freezes or the cue person misses a signal during the scene?

If the actor freezes or the cue person misses a signal, have the cue person give a clear physical cue (a gentle tap or hold up the recovery card) and remind the actor to 'pause and take one breath' then improvise a simple line or use one of the three simple props to keep the story moving.

How can we adapt the activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?

For ages 4–6, shorten to three one-sentence scene prompts and three recovery prompts, use stuffed animals or big props and an adult cue person with obvious signals, while older kids can add timed rounds, character objectives, and swap roles between actor and cue person for extra challenge.

How can we extend or personalize the practice once we finish a basic round?

To extend the activity, film the finished practice and share it on DIY.org, create themed costumes and custom versions of the three simple props, rotate actor/cue roles each round, and use the peer feedback step where everyone gives one nice thing and one gentle suggestion to refine recoveries.