Poems about THEATER!
by Little Dazzy Donuts
Here’s a selection of poems about the theater taken from the weekly Kids’ Poetry Club podcast, including links to podcast episodes and YouTube videos.
All poems are written by children’s poet, Little Dazzy Donuts. Illustrations by Dot Cherch.
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“The Understudy”
(available in episode 72 and on YouTube)
I’m an understudy, waiting in the wings,
for the chance to take the stage, and sing.
Knowing, one day, I’ll be told, “it’s time
to take the lead – get out and shine.”
And a thousand puzzled faces will stare at me,
this stand-in up-and-coming wannabe,
and mutter, “where’s the star we came to see…
and just exactly who is she?”
“Cast”
(available in episode 72)
I have my heart set on theater -
being cast in a play
that we’d take around cities
before storming Broadway.
So, I auditioned for the lead …
but didn’t get the part.
Although I was sad,
I didn’t take it to heart
as there were plenty of other
roles fit for me.
I auditioned for each,
and soon came to see,
I could practice my lines.
and think hard on each role.
But within seconds of starting,
I’d politely be told …
“Assuming what you’ve shown us
is you at your best,
you’re not right for the part,
thank you … and … next.”
In my mind, I’d be joining
the cast with no doubt.
But I was first cast aside,
and then I was cast out.
“Dear Writer”
(available in episode 72)
Dear Writer… I’m sharing my reactions,
to the news I heard today,
that you’d thought of me
and wrote a part for me
in your latest film or play.
I initially felt quite honored
that you’d write this special role,
but the more I hear
the more I fear
that there’s a story to be told
about something I did long ago
to make you really sad.
Or perhaps, without knowing,
I said something
to make you really mad.
I apologize for everything
and anything I did
that resulted in
you screenwriting
to typecast me as a squid.
“I Take The Stage”
(available in episode 53 and on YouTube)
The concert hall sat silent.
The audience felt alone.
The orchestra waited in the pit,
while the singers just went home.
Stage hands found themselves on hold,
lighting crew in the dark.
Everyone waited and wondered if
this performance was some type of art.
The critics were critically scribbling
harsh words for the front page.
The night I sneaked in early,
and quietly took the stage!
“Hollywood Star”
(available in episode 53)
I dreamt of being an actor:
a star of stage and screen.
The best-known household name
this world has ever seen.
I pictured being a Poitier,
a Dench, or Meryl Streep –
with a string of hits, also starring me,
releasing every week.
You’d see my name in papers,
my face on magazines.
I’d be honored by the Oscars,
and knighted by the Queen.
I’d live in gated mansions.
Dining out for free.
They’d install a plaque where I grew up
with the road named after me.
Sadly, the dream is still just that,
and fame it does elude.
‘Though you may have heard me on TV
selling cereal and dog food.
“Acting Strange”
(available in episode 53)
I’m in an acting position,
just doing it temporary.
You could just say,
I’m acting strange,
or acting arbitrary.
Today, I’m acting normal:
a hard act then to follow.
In my juggling act,
you’ll find in fact,
I’ll act differently tomorrow.
If I’m acting funny towards you,
the advice I give is clear,
just leave me be
you’ll come to see
the whole thing’s my idea.
When I’ve got my act together,
my life will be jam-packed.
So, I’ll act my age,
on and off the stage,
‘til they catch me in the act.
You may see me acting out or up.
I’ll act like a kid all day.
I can explain it all,
come curtain call,
I’m just acting in my play.