The success of any collaborative drama activity relies on levels of energy, interaction and communication with the group. Warm-ups are a great way to build connections, release any tension or anxiety and physically prepare students.
Get students’ bodies moving and their brains active with basic instructions, building up to more complex exercises and perhaps delegating responsibility for leading the activities to students.
Keeper of the keys
An exercise that will develop students’ teamwork and strategy skills as they work together, using all their senses, to solve a shared challenge.
- 10 minutes
- Whole class
Honey, I love you, but I just can’t smile
A fun drama game with the main objective of trying to make members of the group laugh.
- 5 minutes
- Whole class
- Inclusive mobility
Look up, look down
A simple yet engaging game to raise the energy amongst the group.
- 5 minutes
- Whole class
- Inclusive mobility
Elephant, palm tree, jelly
This fun game involves quick thinking and works well as an icebreaker for new groups.
- 10 minutes
- Whole class
Bomb and shield
This is a quick and easy game that will get students up and moving.
- 10 minutes
- Whole class
Zip, zap, boing
- 5 minutes
- Whole class
- Inclusive mobility
This classic game is quick and easy and involves quick thinking and concentration to stay in the game.
Stop, go, jump, clap!
This is a very energetic game that will get your students warmed up and listening to directions, perfect to play as a warm up.
- 10 minutes
- 2+ people
Yee-ha!
This game is great for encouraging students to demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required for performance.
- 15 minutes
- 5+ people
- Inclusive mobility
The director’s theatre
The game is a physical warm up which requires listening and quick responses. As this game requires quick movement around the space, health and safety measures may need to be considered.
- 10 minutes
- 8+ people
- Inclusive mobility
Torpedoes
This name game can be adapted to develop focus and concentration skills and can, therefore, also be an effective 'cool down' activity.
- 5 minutes
- 8–15 people
Splat!
This is a great warm-up activity, requiring students to concentrate and be alert; it can also be a good tool for learning names.
- 5 minutes
- Whole class
- Inclusive mobility
Find the right drama exam
Take our quick drama exam quiz to discover the perfect match for your needs, whether you’re looking to celebrate achievement, offer a recognised qualification, or to support your students to progress onto higher education or future careers.