An Introduction to Drama

Think and reflect

Before we dive into the wonderful world of drama, let us take a moment to consider some important questions.

Take a moment to think, before responding to the following questions.

Copy these questions and your answers in your Lit exercise book. (10 minutes)

1. What do you understand by the term ‘Drama’?2. What impressions do you have of drama and

what prior experience have you had with drama?

3. How do you feel about studying drama in the coming weeks?

Think and reflect

Pairing and Sharing

Turn to the person beside you and share your answers verbally

Do not simply exchange books and read other’s answers

Some of you will be called upon to tell the rest of the class about your friend’s responses

Is drama for me? Drama is for everyone

We all have stories to share

We all enjoy interacting and learning with others on a social level

We have all ‘acted’ at some point in time, pretended to be someone we are not…Examples anyone?

Everyone is an actor!

-William Shakespeare, As You Like It

What you should have gained by the end of today’s lesson:

Knowledge of the importance of focus and concentration in controlling our body movements

Understanding of the role of both MOVEMENT and VOICE in bringing a character to life

Increased sensitivity to what you are capable of, when you choose to be

(and freedom, that comes from letting go of our inhibitions)

Warm-up time!

Follow my lead…

Ground Rules for drama exercises

1. LISTEN when instructions are being given BEFORE acting on them

2. Be PROFESSIONAL– take the activities seriously

3. RESPECT each other – we all have our individual strengths

4. Have fun, but SAFETY FIRST and follow instructions

5. Use the SPACE – no leaning against tables and chairs, or hiding in corners

6. Pay ATTENTION to my signals

Let’s move!

• Now, move your tables and chairs to the side of the classroom

• LIFT, not drag • Then, quickly move to

the empty space in the centre – our “safe stage”

Some ‘Tools’ of Drama

Movement Voice

Imagination Creativity

Concentration Cooperation

1. Get into pairs

2. Have at least one arm’s length of distance from other pairs around you

3. Face the front when you are ready for further instructions

Reflections– Who’s that in the mirror?

Reflections– Who’s that in the mirror?

Instructions: Number yourselves 1 and 2

Your roles:

Student 1 – Person looking in a mirror

Student 2 – Person’s reflection (for groups with 3s, there can be 2 reflections)

Reflections– Who’s that in the mirror?

Your task: Stand facing each other Student 1(Person)- looks in the mirror (the space between

Student 1 and Student 2) with movements and facial expressions

Student 2 (& 3) (Reflection) – Mirror (imitate) Student 1’s movements and expressions

Aim: for the Reflection to be so convincing that I cannot differentiate Person from Reflection

Reflections– Who’s that in the mirror?

Bear in mind Movements should be slow and controlled No contact No voices

Some ideas: Brushing teeth Dancing to music Wearing shoes Putting on make-up

More of your own!

Pair interesting facial expressions with these actions!

When I give the signal, SWITCH roles

YOU MAY BEGIN!

Walking in a circleInstructions:

Stay in your positions in the circle – do not switch places

You will all be facing and moving in the same direction You will be given a list of scenarios which you have to

act out with your body As each new scenario is given, add more actions to

what you were originally doing

Example:1) Walk in a straight line2) Balance a ball on your head (while continuing to walk in a straight line)

Walking in a circleLet’s walk!

1. You are walking barefoot on hot sand

2. Someone gives you a very heavy suitcase to carry

3. You find a beach ball on the floor and carry it with your other hand.

4. You decide to put everything down and now you feel light as a feather, enjoying the sand that has now cooled.

5. It suddenly rains and you shiver as you hurry to shelter.

Getting into character1. Number yourselves off from 1 to 52. When a number is called, come into the circle and BECOME the character you are assigned. 3. You have to move across and around the circle, changing places with someone else of the same number4. Remember to use both BODY and VOICE

Character roles• A wicked witch• A brave hero rescuing a

princess• A student nervously pacing

outside the principal’s office

• A mean bully looking for victims in a playground

• A crazy dentist with a split personality

• A cute penguin• A sickly, old person• A graceful ballet dancer• A worker tired from a day’s

work and carrying a heavy sack

• A bossy prefect ordering his classmates around

3-2-1 Reflections

o Write your responses to the following questions on the post-it notes provided (No need to copy questions)

A. 3 things you discovered about performing with your bodily movements and facial expressions

B. 2 difficulties you faced during the 2 exercises

C. 1 thing you enjoyed about the lesson

Summing up

o Everyone is an actor! Each person presents a unique interpretation of a situation or character.

o Drama is a process that requires great focus, energy and commitment.

o In drama, we use bodily movements and facial expressions to illustrate our thoughts and emotions

END

Thank you for your kind attention and

participation! =)