Just writing the phrase “Knowledge Based Curriculum” sends shivers of fear and anger through my spine. To think that we have moved into a world where knowledge over skills is the key to creating policy and curriculum is a hideous testament to how far we have come on this journey of reform. A curriculum which is based on how much a student has learnt. These … Continue reading Knowledge Based Curriculum and Drama: Moving with the times.
This is an excellent little warm up that I’ve found on improvencyclopedia. Description Everyone in a circle. There are 3 things a player can be: An alien: hold you index fingers up next to your head, as little antenna`s and say `Bleeb bleeb`, bending inwards into the circle; A cow: bend forward, hold your right hand on your tummy and go `Moooo` A tiger: push … Continue reading Alien, Cow, Tiger
DARTS This is a very simple but fun Drama Game that encourages spontaneous improvisation without the students really thinking about it and before they know it everyone is acting along, laughing with everyone else and thoughts of embarrassment are forgotten. Standing with all the students in a circle explain that a student will cross the space to another student. Once the student has reached the … Continue reading 2 quick fire warm ups
This is a really good physical warm up that gives the students the opportunity to explore their characters in a exaggerated and visceral way. It is really useful if you play some physical games or warm ups first to get the students engaged. Then, walking around the space making sure that each students accepts their own personal space and respects the personal space of others. … Continue reading Body Parts
Clap Snap Stamp I play this in a big circle but it could be played in pairs or small groups. Firstly, count from one to three, each student one number at a time, and keep repeating this. So student number one would go one, two, three, one, two, three, and so on. Once they get this, replace the `one` with a `snap` (snap your fingers). … Continue reading 3 Focusing Warm Ups
This is a very simple warm up that can be used to explore a characters relationship with the rest of their family and those close to them. Depending on group sizes and the text/devised piece involved, this could be done as a whole class or in individual groups. Begin the activities by having a discussion about the family and important people in the characters life … Continue reading Family Portraits
BURT'S DRAMA 