THEATRE GAMES: AT LEAST 5

Ali Baba is sort of a physical version of a song in the round.

This activity builds cooperation and trust and is a great beginning activity for new casts and/or theatre groups.

This is an ice breaker game that really just helps the students get to know each other better and to further help the students develop social skills.

After selecting an index card notated with a simple sentence, a student will communicate the meaning of the sentence through the use of

nonsensical words, sounds, and/or pantomime- a fun way to learn how to express one’s self and specific thoughts without words.

In this exercise, one student will walk across the circle, focusing on the emotional state and attitude of a character and how that might be heightened from a 1 level to a 10 level.

A musical mingle and guessing game for students as they take on different characters.

Handholding exercise used to facilitate a solid sense of ensemble.

To take on the persona of the last person that gets into the taxi.

A great exercise for relaxation, focus, dealing with stage-fright, and breathing from the diaphram.

So, what do people say when they visit the grave?  Do they water the grave?

This is a fun and imaginative warm up for any group.  It encourages movement and a nonthreatening way to free one's imagination.

Today you are not going to portray your character... you are going to become someone elses character. 

Students watch one another and imitate one another's physical actions.  The prompts for movement can be motivated or just fun improvisational.  Students can explore their physical instrument and expand the limits of their creativity.  (Also good for getting students (and directors!) to learn names of their fellow students.)

"Poison Peepers" is a variation of "Down/Up" and "Scream."  The big difference is that no one is eliminated.  It is a superb low-risk way to encourage vocal production and dramatic gesturing, and it's a lot of fun!

What are you doing?  Students start pantomiming an action and another students asks, "What are you doing?"  The first student must lie and say they are doing something different.

This is one of the most requested games in my acting classes.  The more times they play it, the more specific and competitive the session becomes.  Anyone can participate, but you will need a quick mind to win!

This energetic warm-up will get your group focused, listening, limber, and "ready to roll".

This is a fun game used to cultivate teamwork while warming up physically and vocally.

Students establish a instant spirit of ensemble by clapping in unison with the person to their left or right depending on the directing of the clapping wave. 

To be the last student left to survive the “SUBJECT CHALLENGE”

To build team work and solidify concepts for any subject given in prompts for this "quest".

To complete a scene in three minutes using the standard 3 point storyline.

Helps students become more comfortable with thinking on their feet, having the confidence to be creative and staying in the moment.

Two actors (critics) improvise spoken lines while the remaining characters become animated statues in order to practice role playing, verbal improvisation, maintaining freeze position, pantomime, phsycial acting, self-reflection and peer critique.

Combinging physical activity with verbal exercise to help the brain organize and focus effectively through rhythm and clapping.

A trial of memory and improvization, this game allows for creativity and on the spot contribution to complete the alphabet.

To develop improvisational skills, use creative imagination, analyze behavior and activities of others, and make appropriate dialogue choices by exchanging presents.

The game requires both exchanging and transforming energy by blending with your fellow players as a ball of energy is thrown amoungst the group.  Its about being in the moment, keeping open, grounded and free as well as being aware of your surroundings and articulating. You must be aware of the energy sent, available to the energy - allowing it to change you, and you must be articulate in sending the energy back out.

Students will understand and apply the concepts of impromptu storytelling and improving their improvisational skills by perfomring a well known fairy tale in one minute flat.

To get the class warmed up and in their bodies, while paying attention to their fellow participants.

A great warm up, to learn names of fellow cast members/classmates or to help build cooperation and teamwork.