#CampDIY Day 31: Talent Hunt!
Plan and perform a mini talent show: choose an act, make simple props or costume, practice, and present to family or friends for fun.
Step-by-step guide to CampDIY Day 31: Talent Hunt
Photosynthesis | HHMI BioInteractive Video
Step 1
Pick the talent you will perform like singing dancing magic a joke routine or a short skit.
Step 2
Decide how long your act will be (aim for 1 to 3 minutes).
Step 3
Draw a simple idea for one prop or one costume piece on paper.
Step 4
Gather the materials listed above for making that prop or costume.
Step 5
Cut and shape your cardboard or fabric into the prop or costume piece you drew.
Step 6
Use tape glue and colouring materials to decorate and finish the prop or costume.
Step 7
Clear a safe space to be your stage and make sure it is tidy.
Step 8
Place your prop and mark where you will stand or move during the act.
Step 9
Run through your full act one time from start to finish.
Step 10
Practice the part that feels tricky two more times to make it smoother.
Step 11
Invite family or friends to watch at a specific time.
Step 12
Perform your mini talent show for your audience with energy and fun.
Step 13
Take a bow and ask your audience for one compliment or one tip to improve.
Step 14
Share your finished creation 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 I use instead of cardboard, fabric, or special glue if I can’t find them?
If you don't have cardboard or fabric, use a clean cereal box or an old t‑shirt to cut and shape, and substitute glue sticks or strong tape for regular glue while decorating with markers as in the 'Cut and shape' and 'Use tape, glue and colouring materials' steps.
My prop keeps falling apart or my costume won’t stay on during practice — what should I try?
If your prop falls apart when you run through your full act, reinforce weak spots with extra tape or a glued cardboard backing and secure costume pieces with safety pins or elastic before practicing the parts that feel tricky two more times.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For ages 3–5, choose a 30–60 second act and have an adult pre-cut the cardboard or fabric and provide chunky crayons for the 'Draw' and 'Cut and shape' steps, while ages 8+ can aim for 2–3 minutes and design layered costume pieces with detailed colouring materials.
How can we make the talent show more exciting or personalized?
Make a simple backdrop from a large sheet or blanket, add timed sound effects or a short playlist, create a handmade invite for the 'Invite family or friends at a specific time' step, and record or share your finished creation and performance on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to plan and perform a mini talent show (CampDIY Day 31: Talent Hunt)
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Facts about performing arts for kids
👏 Cheering and applause make shows more fun — audiences and performers both feel happier when people clap and smile.
👗 Costume changes are powerful: even a simple hat or cape can help a performer become a whole new character.
🕺 Rehearsing your act (even a few short run-throughs) makes you calmer, sharper, and more confident on stage.
🎤 Talent shows have been popular for over a century and exploded on TV with hits like American Idol and Britain's Got Talent.
🎭 Variety shows originated from vaudeville and once packed theaters with singers, comedians, dancers and magicians in one night.
How do I run the #CampDIY Day 31: Talent Hunt activity at home?
What materials do I need for a home talent show?
What ages is the #CampDIY Talent Hunt suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for a kids’ talent show?
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