Cross-Cutting
Cross-cutting (also called split-screen) is a drama technique borrowed from the world of film editing, where two scenes are intercut to establish continuity. In drama and theatre the term is used to...
View ArticleFlashbacks and Flash Forwards
Performers in a scene are asked to improvise scenes which take place seconds, minutes, days or years before or after a dramatic moment. This enables the exploration of characters’ backgrounds,...
View ArticleForum Theatre
A technique pioneered by Brazilian radical Augusto Boal. A play or scene, usually indicating some kind of oppression, is shown twice. During the replay, any member of the audience (‘spect-actor’) is...
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Hot Seating
A character is questioned by the group about his or her background, behaviour and motivation. The method may be used for developing a role in the drama lesson or rehearsals, or analysing a play...
View ArticleImage Theatre
In Image Theatre, still images are used to explore abstract concepts such as relationships and emotions, as well as realistic situations. This technique was developed by Augusto Boal and is described...
View ArticleMantle of the Expert
Mantle of the Expert (MoE) involves the creation of a fictional world where students assume the roles of experts in a designated field. Mantle of the Expert is based on the premise that treating...
View ArticleMarking the Moment
Marking the Moment is a dramatic technique used to highlight a key moment in a scene or improvisation. This can be done in a number of different ways: for example through slow-motion, a freeze-frame,...
View ArticleNarration
Narration is a technique whereby one or more performers speak directly to the audience to tell a story, give information or comment on the action of the scene or the motivations of characters....
View ArticleOpen and Close
This is a simple and effective way for using still images to tell a story. It also mimics the technique of blackouts on stage – with no technical equipment required! Divide the class into small groups...
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Role on the Wall
The outline of a body is drawn on a large sheet of paper, which is later stuck onto the wall. This can be done by carefully drawing around one of the participants. Words or phrases describing the...
View ArticleRole Play
Role play is the basis of all dramatic activity. The ability to suspend disbelief by stepping into another character’s shoes comes quite naturally to most children. Through the structure of the drama...
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Soundscape
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 soundscape of a...
View ArticleSpotlight
Spotlighting is a useful teaching technique for sharing improvised drama when you have divided the class into smaller groups. When it is time to show their work, ask all the groups to sit on the floor....
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Still Images and Freeze Frames
Still images and freeze frames are both a form of tableau. With freeze-frame, the action in a play or scene is frozen, as in a photograph or video frame. Still images, on the other hand, require...
View ArticleStorytelling
Storytelling is one of the simplest and perhaps most compelling forms of dramatic and imaginative activity. A good place to start is by telling stories to your pupils and encouraging them to share...
View ArticleTableaux
What is it? In a tableau, participants make still images with their bodies to represent a scene. A tableau can be used to quickly establish a scene that involves a large number of characters. Because...
View ArticleTeacher in Role
Teacher in role (TiR) is an invaluable technique for shaping the dramatic process. Simply put, the teacher assumes a role in relation to the pupils. This may be as a leader, a peer, or a subservient...
View ArticleThought Tracking
A group makes a still image and individuals are invited to speak their thoughts or feelings aloud – just a few words. This can be done by tapping each person on the shoulder or holding a cardboard...
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Seven Levels of Tension
Jacques Lecoq developed an approach to acting using seven levels of tension. These changed and developed during his practice and have been further developed by other practitioners. The following...
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Whoosh! Bringing Stories Alive through Drama
Whoosh activity: Teaching Shakespeare | Royal Shakespeare Company This engaging and interactive storytelling technique enables any kind of story – simple or complex – to be brought alive, even without...
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