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Show us your acting slate

Show us your acting slate
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Make a simple cardboard clapperboard and practice saying your name, role, and scene to learn stage timing, clear speaking, and performance confidence.

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Step-by-step guide to make a cardboard clapperboard and practice your acting slate

What you need
Adult supervision required, black marker or black paint, coloring materials such as markers crayons or paint, glue or strong tape, pencil, ruler, scissors, stiff cardboard or cereal box, white paint or white marker, white paper

Step 1

Gather all the materials and put them on a clean workspace.

Step 2

Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle about 20 cm by 15 cm on the cardboard.

Step 3

Cut out the rectangle with scissors.

Step 4

Use the ruler and pencil to draw a long strip about 20 cm by 3 cm on the cardboard for the clapper.

Step 5

Cut out the long strip with scissors.

Step 6

Color the front of the large rectangle black with the black marker or black paint.

Step 7

Let the paint dry completely before you touch it.

Step 8

Draw two or three white diagonal stripes on the top strip using the white paint or white marker.

Step 9

Cut a small rectangle from the white paper to make a label.

Step 10

Write your name role and scene clearly on the white paper label with a dark marker.

Step 11

Glue the white paper label onto the front of the black board and press to stick.

Step 12

Attach the top strip to the top edge of the board on the back with strong tape so it can hinge and clap.

Step 13

Practice saying your name role and scene clearly three times.

Step 14

Clap the top strip on the word "Action" three times to practice stage timing.

Step 15

Share a photo or video of your finished acting slate and your slate 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!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of cardboard, black marker/paint, or strong tape if they're not available?

Use a flattened cereal box or poster board for the 20 cm × 15 cm rectangle and 20 cm × 3 cm clapper, glue or tape black construction paper to the front instead of black marker/paint, and substitute a brass paper fastener or a folded strip of tape as the hinge if you don't have strong tape.

My clapper won't hinge or clap properly—what might be wrong and how can we fix it?

If the top strip is taped down too firmly or the tape covers the whole edge, remove and reattach it with tape only along the back edge so it can pivot, or poke a small hole and join both pieces with a brass fastener as explained in the 'Attach the top strip' step.

How can we adapt this activity for younger or older children?

For younger kids have an adult pre-measure and cut the 20 cm by 15 cm board and 20 cm by 3 cm strip and let them color, glue the label, and clap, while older kids can measure and cut themselves, paint detailed white diagonal stripes, and rehearse their name, role, and scene three times for a polished slate.

How can we personalize or enhance the finished slate to make it more creative or durable?

Decorate the back with paint or stickers, laminate or cover the white paper label for durability, reinforce the hinge with extra tape or a small fabric strip, or add a small handle so your finished slate stands out in the photo or video you share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a cardboard clapperboard and practice your acting slate

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Acting Tips for Kids

3 Videos

Facts about acting and theater skills for kids

⏱️ Modern digital slates can display precise timecode, but the traditional loud clap is still one of the most reliable sync signals.

📢 Clear slating (name/role/scene) helps editors and sound mixers find the right take faster — which can save hours in post-production.

📦 In low-budget and early productions, crews often used simple materials like cardboard and chalk before painted wooden slates were common.

🎬 The clapperboard (also called a slate) was invented to help sync audio and picture when sound films arrived in the 1920s.

👩‍🎤 Saying your name and role on a slate doubles as a quick vocal and focus warm-up many actors use before a take.

How do you do the 'Show us your acting slate' activity?

To do 'Show us your acting slate,' first make a simple cardboard clapperboard: cut a rectangular base and a smaller hinged top stripe, decorate with black and white paint or markers, and attach the top with tape or a split pin so it claps. Write name, role, and scene on the base. Practice snapping the clapper, saying your name, role, and scene clearly, pause briefly, then deliver a short line to build timing and projection.

What materials do I need for the 'Show us your acting slate' activity?

You'll need sturdy cardboard, scissors or a craft knife (adult use), tape or a split pin for the hinge, black and white paint or markers, a ruler and pencil for markings, and glue. Optional: stickers, colored paper, and a clothespin or wooden craft stick to make a louder clap. For safety, use rounded scissors for young children and adult supervision when cutting or using pins/knives.

What ages is the 'Show us your acting slate' activity suitable for?

This activity suits children about 4–12 years old. Preschoolers (4–6) enjoy simple naming and clapping with adult help for cutting and assembly. Ages 7–12 can create the clapper more independently and practice clear speaking, timing, and short performances. Teenagers can expand into scripted slates and character bits. Always supervise sharp tools and small parts for younger kids and adapt complexity to each child's ability.

What are the benefits of doing the 'Show us your acting slate' activity?

Making and using a slate builds timing, clear speaking, and performance confidence. Children practice voice projection, concise introductions, and stage presence while improving fine motor skills from crafting the clapper. Repeating slates strengthens memory, listening, and turn-taking, and reduces stage fright through playful rehearsal. This activity also encourages creativity and teamwork, with easy variations like adding props or filming slates for a mini-show.
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