Clap The Ball

Game of the Week is taken from 101 Drama Games and Activities.

Begin by throwing a tennis ball or beanbag to each other across a circle. The person throwing the ball has responsibility for whether the other person catches it – so make sure that people are clear about whom they are throwing to. Once this is working well, introduce the idea that everyone must clap their hands in unison once, while the ball is in the air. Complicity between group members is essential.

If this goes well, the game continues so that each time the ball is thrown, the group try to clap together one extra time. So the first time it is thrown, everyone claps once, the second time twice, and so on. You will probably get up to seven or eight and then it will start to get more difficult. Once it breaks down, start again from one. This is an effective way of encouraging concentration and awareness.

Come back for a new Game next week!

Random Sound Stories

Work in small groups of 4 - 6. The groups are asked to come up with a selection of random sounds - with each member making one vocalised sound. Next, the group decides on a sequence in which these sounds are made and practices it. Each group performs its sound sequence in turn to the whole class. Now the groups are asked to make up a story in which these sounds occur - in the sequence already decided upon. The story can be narrated or acted.

Sound Pictures

The leader or one member of the group acts as conductor, whilst the rest of the group are the 'orchestra'. Using their voices (and body percussion if appropriate!), the group paints a sound picture of a particular theme, for example the seaside, a city, a jungle. The leader controls the shape of the piece by raising her hand to increase the volume or bringing it to touch the floor for silence.

One Word At A Time

In a circle, the story is started, with each person in turn adding one word. It usually starts with 'Once - upon - a - time'. The idea is to keep your thoughts free flowing, so that you don't try to guess what is coming or force the story in a particular direction. It is not always easy to maintain a logical flow for the story, although it is always amusing. If the group is too large, break into smaller groups.

Siren

By Jonathan Lambert

A good exercise for exploring and extending the vocal range. It will help to eradicate unexpected 'catches' in the throat from occurring when speaking or singing. It's also a very good icebreaker.

Before you begin, hum for a while. Don't clamp your lips together but rather see how lightly you can let them touch. Can you feel them tingle at the point of contact? Smile and see what difference that makes. OK, now let's make a start.

What are Drama Games?

Clap The Ball

Random Sound Stories

Sound Pictures

One Word At A Time

Siren

The Games Chart

Drama Books by David Farmer