Christopher Columbus | School Play
More of a skit in three scenes than a major work in several acts, this short play is perfect for students at an elementary school level to learn about the discovery of the American continent by Christopher Columbus. Whether read aloud in class as a reading and history exercise with simple costumes such as wigs and hats to aid in the fun or as a larger production suitable for school auditoriums with parents and teachers assisting with larger production aspects, this play in three short scenes details how Columbus obtained funding from royalty to prove his theory right that land existed beyond the borders of Europe. [b]Christopher Columbus[/b] A scholar and a gentleman, Columbus believed that the world was not flat and that, if given the proper funding and ships, he could prove this. Young actors in the role of Columbus can make a simple costume from the [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/columbus]Heroes In History Christopher Columbus kit[/url], which contains a tri-cornered Spanish hat, a globe, and a telescope. A great start, this can add to a homemade costume. Many Renaissance and Spanish-style costumes in children's sizes may be hard to find, however, appropriately altered costumes may work for kids. White nylon kneesocks underneath billowy, pantaloon-styled pants cut at the knee (maybe ladies' Capri pants in a larger size bound at the knees with a simple drawstring to gather the fabric at the knee) and an oversized vest trimmed in fur to look like Columbus' traveling cloak can be easily made for a more elaborate costume. [b]Schoolboys: Carlos, Pancho, and Roque[/b] The three young schoolboys who believe in Columbus' theory, much to the chagrin of their stern headmaster would best be costumed in simple youth outfits. The [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/renaissance+boys]Renaissance Peasant Boy costume[/url] is a good choice to start with and to distinguish each boy, different colored and adorned vests in velvet or satin could be used to give a bit of flair to the characters. [b]Schoolmaster[/b] The stern headmaster who carries a large yardstick as a means to inflict punishment on wayward students, the schoolmaster is one tough customer. Although he has little patience for those who believe that the world is anything less than flat, he projects an a no nonsense aura of authority. Similar to Columbus' costume in the fashion of upper-middle class men of the day, the Schoolmaster should carry a ruler and perhaps billowy pantaloon pants over nylon kneesocks would work well. Top it off with a [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/colonial+wig]Colonial-style wig[/url] tied in a grey ponytail. [b]King John[/b] Willing to hear out Columbus' unpopular theories, King John gives him a chance to state his case for a round Earth with uncharted land beyond the European borders. King John doesn't do so much out of the goodness of his heart rather than for more gold. Many styles of [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/king+child/]child-sized King costumes[/url] are available to fit this character with a regal cape, pantaloon pants, and a royal crown. [b]Courtiers[/b] Members of King John's court, the courtiers laugh at the Jester's antics. Depending on how large your cast is, a number of [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/children+royalty/]children's royalty[/url] costumes would work nicely. [b]Jester[/b] A sneaky, yet oddly comical character, the Jester steals Columbus' maps and openly mocks him, much to the delight of the King's courtiers. A classical [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/jester+child/]children's jester costume[/url] is a popular choice for this simple character. [b]Captain Riverra[/b] A sea captain who believes in Columbus' theories, Riverra wishes Columbus much good luck and eventually accompanies him on his voyage to the New World. Noting Riverra's stature, a [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/conquistador]Conquistador helmet and costume is in order to best distinguish this important character, Columbus' right-hand man and supporter [b]King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella[/b] The ruling monarchs of Spain who are willing to fund Columbus' journey with three ships, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella have different reasons for agreeing to assist Columbus. Queen Isabella believes in Columbus' theories while King Ferdinand is somewhat skeptical fearing backlash from his subjects, he eventually agrees due to merchant ships being attacked on their way to the West Indies and desires an alternate route to aid his nation's commerce. Suitable for young actors, [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/king+child/]child-sized king[/url] and [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/child+queen/]queen[/url] costumes in Renaissance or Elizabethan styles will work for the roles of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. [b]Monk[/b] The confessor to the Queen, the Monk acts as the voice of reason and a mediator between all parties involved. An easy choice to costume, a one-size-fits all [url=http://www.costumzee.com/tag/monk]monk costume and wig will do the trick! For young actors who are on the short side, this one can easily be hemmed or pinned into place for a no-fuss costume. [b]Wisemen[/b] More learned scholars who have little use for Columbus' theories can be outfitted similar to the Schoolmaster from the earlier part of the play to continue aid in visual recognition of these type of characters. [b]Sailors[/b] Once Columbus achieved funding for his journey, he had several sailors as crew on his ships. A combination of comfortable, Renaissance peasant-styled costumes with Conquistador helmets may work for these characters.
