Improvisation

Improvising is an excellent way to explore ideas and encourage creativity in students. Improvisation games allow students to become immersed in the moment and better relate to a situation.

Responding to stimuli through improvision is also a key rehearsal skill which is assessed in many Trinity drama exams.

Warm ups

Freeze

This exercise will help to develop your group’s improvisation skills and is great for getting the students used to performing in front of an audience.

  • 10 minutes
  • Large group
  • Distanced

Download game (PDF)

Object in a circle 

This exercise introduces props to be used with improvisation and encourages students to think more and more creatively as the exercise goes on.

  • 10 minutes
  • Large group
  • Distanced
  • Inclusive mobility

Download game (PDF)

On the bus 

This improvisation game focuses on character and ensemble performing 'in the moment'. Students need to accept another student’s 'offer' and enter into their imaginary world.

  • 10 minutes
  • 8+ people
  • Inclusive mobility

Download game (PDF)

What are you doing? 

  • 5 minutes
  • 8+ people
  • Distanced
  • Inclusive mobility

This is a great game for developing mime skills, and the quick thinking and responding skills needed when improvising.

Download game (PDF)

I’ve got some news…

  • 10 minutes
  • 3+ people
  • Distanced
  • Inclusive mobility

This is a fun introduction to improvisation. It works well for groups who are new to improvisation as they don’t have the pressure of producing a whole scene, they just have to react!

Download game (PDF)

Yes, let’s...

This classic game introduces students to the important improvisation concept of agreeing to, or building on the suggestions or stimulus given to them.

  • 5-10 minutes
  • Any size group
  • Distanced

Download game (PDF)

Introducing group assessment with Trinity drama

At Trinity, we believe that creating dramatic work in groups is a fundamental part of an actor’s development. This is why the majority of our drama syllabus specifications have pair, group and In Production exams as options.

Developing collaborative communication skills fundamental to group performance work will help to prepare students for their wider lives, further education and employment.

Find out more in our free Guide to Group Assessments

Group improvisation

 

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