Theatre

Games

SHOW - DON'T TELL

As you've guessed, these exercises are practiced without voice. Facial & body language, stance, movement & timing will be everything.

FLYING SOLO
All improvisations can be done without voice.
Benefits: Exercises allow the development of the actor to create on the entire stage - with no limitations. Acting comes from within, not without.

Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes
Young children especially enjoy charading using Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes. Before class or get-together, make up slips of paper with one nursery rhyme listed on each slip. If the children playing are too young to read, whisper the rhyme to them off-stage. You'll need to pre-determine how many players you'll need for each rhyme. Simply include that number on the slip of paper.

2-PLAYER EXERCISES
Benefits: Players will help to build synchronicity & learn to 'share' a space.

Mirror Exercise
2 players

Exercise #1
Place two students facing each other. Student #1 acts. Provide simple tasks, if necessary for student #1, such as getting dressed; making a sandwich or washing up.

Student #2 mirrors student #1 with exact facial & body language.

Coaching Tip: Reflect his actions; do not anticipate what he's going to do next.

Exercise #2
Switch the roles of the actors. Have student #2 be the actor, & student #1 become the mirror.

Tug-of-War
2 players or more
Needed: invisible space rope

Two players (or teams) oppose each other about 4-6 feet apart. The invisible rope measures at least as long as the distance of the combined teams. The end players will have to determine the exact length of their rope. (Are they holding the very end in their grasp? Or does the robe extend a foot or two beyond their hands?)

The invisible rope is laid out before them. The players each reach down & grab their portion of the rope. Each player must establish his stance & grasp the robe for the best tugging action.

A signal is given (could be by the coach/teacher), & the game begins. Teams must be in unison & remain observant and sensitive to where the robe is according to their & their team's actions. This activity is not always easy but tons of fun! Tip: Start slowly; as you & the other players begin to play in unison, action can then be sped up & taken to the next level.

Side Coaching:
Remind players to "focus." "Where is the rope?"

3 + PLAYER EXERCISES
Benefits: Develops group acting, focus & team building. More action requires more self-control & self-awareness.

Tug-of-War
3 or more players
Play the same game described above using 2 equal teams.

Many Bees in the Hive
4-6 players

Exercise #1
Setting: Orchestra performance

One player is chosen or volunteers as the conductor. He assumes his position at the front of the orchestra. All other players take their seats in different sections: brass, percussion, strings or wind. Each player chooses to play one of the musical instruments from his section: Choices can include: violin, cello, percussion, tuba, oboe, flute or more.

The goal is for the cast to communicate one activity, although each player acts in a different role. All cast members must pay close attention to their conductor for rhythm, speed & volume cues.

Side Coaching: "Watch your conductor!"

Exercise #2
Setting: Business office.

Roles can include: office manager, typist, receptionist, boss, beverage person, accountant, web designer & more.

Side Coaching: "Re-act or interact with your team-mates when appropriate!"

Exercise #3
Setting: Baseball game - on the field.

Players are to be divided into teams: one outfield; one infield (or up-to-bat).
Players must act & react to both their team members & to the opposing teams players.

If numerous players are available, roles can be added to include: peanut/popcorn hawker/vendor; coaches; cheer leaders & even a marching band.

Side Coaching: "Focus on the ball."

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