Ten Second Objects

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Ten Second Objects

This is a very popular drama game and a useful technique which can be developed easily towards improvisation or physical theatre. It's also highly accessible and great fun! Divide everyone into small groups (4-6). Call out the name of an object

and all the groups have to make the shape of that object out of their own bodies, joining together in different ways while you count down slowly from ten to zero. Usually every group will find a different way of forming the object. Examples could be: a car, a fried breakfast, a clock, a washing machine, a fire.

(LEFT: A peacock created in ten seconds at the Primary Drama INSET Day)

Learning Objectives:	To encourage creativity To develop physical awareness To cooperate in group work
Age Group:	6+
Participants:	Small groups
Recommended time for activity:	10-20 minutes

Develop the Activity:

Encourage groups to think about using different levels with their body shapes, eg high, medium and low.
You could choose objects from a play you are rehearsing or a theme you are exploring (see the drama lesson on Evacuees).
Groups can also be given a couple of minutes to devise an object of their own which the rest of the class try to guess.
You could make it a rule that after 10 seconds they must be completely frozen in position.
On the other hand it can be fun if they are able to make objects that use movement.
You can use the shapes created as a quick way into creating ideas for physical theatre.

101 Drama Games and Activities

"One of the handiest things to have around" - Teaching Drama magazine

101 Drama Games and Activities by David Farmer is a collection of highly effective games and exercises suitable for children, young people and adults. The pages are packed with tried and tested ideas for a whole range of activities useful for drama lessons, workshops or rehearsals.

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