March 19, 2026 | A 10-day drama workshop and student performance for Class 1–4 students at Shristi Academy, Kathmandu
For several weeks, a classroom slowly transformed into a rehearsal space filled with movement, laughter, animal sounds, storytelling, and imagination.
What began with simple theatre games and warm-up activities gradually turned into a full dramatic performance created and performed by children themselves.
About the Story
Sky is Falling is a dramatic adaptation written by Bansri Pandey, inspired by the traditional folktale often known as Chicken Licken or Henny Penny.
The story follows a group of animals who panic after hearing that “the sky is falling.” As fear spreads from one character to another, the animals begin following information blindly without questioning whether it is true.
Through humour, music, and interaction, the story gently explores ideas of fear, rumours, fake news, critical thinking, and decision making. Instead of simply telling children what is right or wrong, the story invites them to think, question, discuss, and reflect through performance.
The Workshop Journey
The workshop was facilitated by Bansri Pandey over 10 days, with approximately 20 hours of training and rehearsal sessions. Around 27 students from Class 1–4 participated in the process.
The sessions began with theatre games designed to help children become comfortable with expression through voice, body, and movement. Students explored rhythm, space, facial expressions, posture, and teamwork through playful activities that gradually prepared them for stage performance.
Instead of rushing directly into rehearsals, the workshop focused first on helping children build trust with one another and confidence within themselves. As the days progressed, students slowly entered the world of the play—learning how characters move, react, speak, and feel.
Building Characters Through Play
Children experimented with different animal characters using body movement, gesture, and voice exercises.
- How does a frightened chicken walk?
- How does a confident animal enter the stage?
- What happens to the body when a character becomes nervous, excited, or confused?
Through these explorations, students began understanding that acting is not only about memorizing dialogues—it is also about understanding emotions, relationships, and presence.
The rehearsal process encouraged children to listen carefully to each other, respond naturally, and work together as an ensemble.
From Reading to Performing
Students gradually moved from script reading sessions into blocking scenes, practicing dialogues, and rehearsing transitions.
They learned how to project their voices, remember stage positions, and coordinate movement with other performers. Along the way, they also learned patience, discipline, teamwork, and responsibility towards the group.
Teachers actively supported the process through costume management, prop preparation, and helping children during rehearsals. Their involvement became an important part of creating a supportive environment for the young performers.
The Final Performance
On March 19, 2026, the students presented a 20-minute performance of Sky is Falling.
The stage was filled with energy, excitement, and commitment from the young actors. Some students who were initially shy during the first workshop sessions confidently performed in front of an audience by the end of the process.
The performance was not only about presenting a play—it was about experiencing the full journey of creating theatre together.
Children supported one another on stage, improvised when needed, and carried the story forward with enthusiasm and teamwork.
The Experience
Throughout the workshop, the students were deeply engaged in both the creative and collaborative process.
The rehearsal space often shifted between playful chaos and focused concentration. Children practiced movements repeatedly, experimented with expressions, and discovered new ways of communicating through performance.
Theatre became a space where they could express freely, make mistakes safely, and learn by doing. More than preparing a final play, the workshop created opportunities for children to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and experience storytelling as something active and collective.
Many Thanks To
- Mrs. Vani Pradhan – Principal of Shristi Academy
- All the teachers and students who participated
- Bansri Pandey – Facilitator and Playwright
- Teachers of Shristi Academy – Props, costume, and rehearsal support
Concluding Remarks
A theatre workshop is not only about preparing a final performance.
It is also about the small moments in between—children learning to listen to one another, overcoming hesitation, expressing emotions, and discovering confidence through creative play.
Over these 10 days, the students did not just perform a story. They built it together.
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