Play your character!
Create a character, design a simple costume or mask, practice voice and movements, and perform a short scene for family or friends.
Step-by-step guide to play your character
Step 1
Choose what kind of character you want to be and give them a fun name.
Step 2
Pick three words that describe your character and one thing your character wants to do or solve.
Step 3
Draw a simple costume or mask design on paper so you can see how your character will look.
Step 4
Gather the materials you will use for your costume and mask from the list of supplies.
Step 5
Cut out the mask shape or a key costume piece from paper cardboard or fabric.
Step 6
Attach pieces together using tape or glue to make your mask or costume part sturdy.
Step 7
Color and decorate your mask or costume piece with your coloring materials and fabric scraps.
Step 8
Put on your finished mask or costume piece so you can try moving like your character.
Step 9
Practice one special voice for your character by saying a short sentence in that voice.
Step 10
Practice two or three signature movements or gestures your character uses while speaking.
Step 11
Write a very short scene of two to four lines and decide who says each line.
Step 12
Rehearse the scene three times using your character’s voice and movements.
Step 13
Perform your short scene for family or friends so they can meet your character.
Step 14
Share a photo or description of your finished character and performance on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of cardboard or fabric if we don't have them?
If cardboard or fabric aren't available for step 5, use a folded cereal box, a paper plate for a mask, or an old T-shirt for a costume piece and attach with tape or glue from step 6.
My mask keeps flopping over or pieces fall off—how can I fix it?
If the mask or costume piece bends or detaches during step 6, reinforce joins with extra tape or staples, add a cardboard backing, or punch holes and tie pieces with string and let glue dry fully before decorating in step 7.
How can I adapt the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers use pre-cut shapes, stickers, and one simple gesture and line, while older kids can draw detailed mask designs, cut fabric scraps, practice a special voice and two or three signature movements, and write a 2–4 line scene to rehearse in steps 8–11.
How can we extend or personalize the character after finishing the basic activity?
To extend the project, add a matching prop and backdrop, record your performance with simple sound effects while practicing the voice and movements from steps 9–11, incorporate extra fabric scraps for texture, and upload the photo or video to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to play your character
Story Elements For Kids: What Is a Character?
4 Videos
Story Elements For Kids: What Is a Character?
How to write a story for kids: character development
Character Traits in Stories Song for Kids | Learn How Traits Shape a Story
Character actions in stories | Reading | Khan Academy
Facts about theater and drama for kids
🧵 A simple costume or mask can instantly tell an audience who your character is — color, texture, and a single prop say a lot!
🎬 Improv games are a favorite warm-up for actors — just 5–10 minutes can boost creativity and make performing less scary.
🎭 In ancient Greek theatre, actors wore large masks to show emotion and help their voices carry to the back rows.
🤸 Physical movement sells a character: a tiny tilt of the head or a huge stomp can signal confidence, shyness, or silliness.
🎤 Voice actors often change pitch, speed, and accent — some performers create dozens of distinct voices for one show.
How do you play your character and perform a short scene at home?
What materials do I need to make a costume or mask for this activity?
What ages is the "Play your character" activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of playing characters and performing for family?
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