In this unique devising resource pack, pupils will learn new drama techniques pertaining to the horror genre and subsequently apply these to the creation of their own spooky stories. To fuel their inspiration, we have included various stimuli including five real-life ghost stories, photographs and poetry to act as a starting point for an interesting devised performance.
Exploring spooky stories is engaging for pupils of all ability levels and lets them tap into their creativity and embrace storytelling in a way that’s both bold and engaging. Spooky tales are rich with suspense, atmosphere, and complex emotions, which allow students to experiment with building tension and creating interesting dynamic characters. The resource clearly outlines typical horror character archetypes as a means for pupils to quickly assemble their characters, understand their specific objectives and deliver upon the fundamental requirements of the genre.
Contents Include:
Introduction
The Horror Genre
**Horror Warm-up Games **
The Haunted Mirror
Ghost in the Room
Possessed Puppet
Shadow Chaser
The Haunted Forest
Spooky Stimuli
Mary Celeste Ghost Ship
The Enfield Poltergeist
Amityville House
The “Batsquatch”
The Ancient Ram Inn
Spooky Photographs
Spooky Poem
Creating Spooky Characters
Character Archetypes
Whispering
Physical Transformation
Scriptwriting for Horror
Setting the Scene
Plot Devices
Suspense-Building Techniques
Pauses & Silences
Pace Variation
Frozen Expressions
Disjointed Movements
Studying Frantic Assembly offers pupils a unique insight into innovative, movement-based theatre that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Their work encourages creativity, physical expression, and teamwork, showing students how body language, movement, and collaboration can convey complex emotions and ideas without relying solely on words. Frantic Assembly’s techniques, like chair duets and dynamic transitions, are accessible and adaptable, allowing students of all abilities to engage with physical theatre.
Contents Include: Introduction, Devising Process, Ignition, Famous Productions, Stockholm (2007), Beautiful Burnout (2010), Curious Incident (2012), Things I Know To Be True (2016), Metamorphosis (2023), Frantic Assembly Techniques, Hymns Hands, Counter Balance, Building Blocks, Push Hands, Tug of War, Isolation, Exploring Isolation, Dynamic Transitions, Lifting, Exploring Frantic Lifts, Fluff Picking, The Three Universes, Dangerous Dance, Exploring Dangerous Dance, Chair Duets, Exploring Chair Duets & Key Quotes.
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Studying Complicité offers pupils a unique insight into contemporary theatre and their power to push creative boundaries. The company’s innovative use of physical theatre, multimedia, and storytelling challenges traditional forms and encourages students to think beyond text-based performances, embracing a more holistic approach to theatre-making. Complicité’s collaborative methods teach pupils the importance of ensemble work, improvisation, and collective creativity, showing them how actors, directors, and designers can shape a performance together.
Contents Include: Introduction, Influences, Simon McBurney, Director’s Vision, The Role of the Ensemble, Physical Theatre, The Master & Margarita, The Encounter, Mnemonic, Mask Work, Multimedia, Object Manipulation, Binaural Technology, Metatheatre, Choral Speaking, The Rehearsal Room, Fragmentation, Viewpoints, Sensory Theatre, Simultaneity, Adapting Literature, Storytelling with Props & Fourth Wall.
‘Shakers’ by John Godber & Jane Thornton challenges students to develop a deep understanding of character development and multi-role playing. The actors not only play the waitresses but also a variety of bar patrons, requiring versatility and a nuanced approach to differentiating between multiple characters. This demands a high level of skill in voice modulation, physicality, and emotional range, making it an excellent study for aspiring actors.
Contents Include: (40 pages)
Introduction, John Godber & Jane Thornton, Nightlife in 1985 & Sexism in 1985
Character Analysis - Carol, Adele, Nicky & Mel
Themes - Gender Roles, Social Class, Workplace Dynamics, Self-worth & Friendship
Key Moments with Practical Explorations - Waitress Introductions, Introduction Circles, The Busy Friday Night, Bar Rush, Troublesome Customer, Forum Theatre, Closing Time & Reflections.
Performance Techniques - Episodic Structure, Multi-Role, Physical Theatre, Minimalism, Direct Address, Rapid Transitions, Vocal Variety & Improvisation.
Lesson Plans/Activities - Multi-Role Exploration, Customer Improvisation, Quick Character Switch, Impromptu Monologues & Silent Scene Improvisation.
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This is a digital high-quality copy of our Bertolt Brecht poster. Your purchase permits you to print your own copies for pupils as an excellent revision tool.
High-quality prints are available order in sizes A4, A3 and A2. Please contact info@subjectresources.com if you would like to place an order.
This is a digital high-quality copy of our Stanislavski poster. Your purchase permits you to print your own copies for pupils as an excellent revision tool.
Learning stage combat is essential for pupils as it enhances their performance skills, fosters teamwork, and ensures safety during theatrical productions. This resource is designed to assist teachers in effectively teaching stage combat basics, offering clear instructions to guide pupils through various combat routines. It includes a comprehensive lesson plan and script excerpts for context and practical application. By following this structured approach, teachers can ensure pupils gain confidence and proficiency in executing stage combat, enriching their theatrical experience.
**Contents Include: **Introduction, Safety Guidelines, Basic Principles, Warm-up Exercises, Dynamic Stretching Routine, Cardiovascular Warm-up, Strength & Balance Drills, Eye Contact, Falls & Rolls, The Knap, Punches & Kicks, Grappling Techniques, Hair Pull, Armed Combat, Stances, Sword Fighting Basics, Storytelling Through Combat, Using the Environment, Partner Exercises, Acting Through Combat, Combat Rehearsal Techniques, Combat Case Studies, Lesson Plan - Staging the Fight Scene from Romeo & Juliet, Script Excerpts, Key Quotes & Terminology List.
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Studying Jacques Lecoq’s methods provides drama students with a comprehensive approach to physical theatre that emphasizes body movement and expressive potential. Lecoq’s teachings encourage creativity and improvisation, essential for developing a unique artistic voice. His focus on physical expression helps actors become more versatile and dynamic, capable of conveying complex emotions and stories through their bodies alone.
**Contents Include: **Biography, Influences, École Internationale, Neutral Mask, Le Jeu, Elements & Materials, Larval Masks, Character Masks, Seven Levels of Tension, Dynamics of Movement, Mime, Movement Analysis, Chorus, Space & Tempo, Clowning, Animal Study, Animal Study - Exploration, Collective Creation, Expression & Key Quotes.
Brecht’s techniques and theories offer a unique approach to theatre that inspires critical thinking and social awareness. By learning about Brecht’s methods, such as the Verfremdungseffekt (alienation effect), actors gain tools for creating performances that encourage audiences to engage intellectually with the play rather than merely emotionally. This approach challenges actors to consider their role not just as entertainers but as facilitators of dialogue and thought about societal issues. Additionally, Brecht’s emphasis on non-naturalistic performance techniques broadens an actor’s range and versatility, allowing them to explore various theatrical styles beyond conventional realism. This resource explores how to teach some of Brecht’s most iconic techniques and enables your actors to create their own Brechtian-inspired practical work.
Contents Include
German Theatre, The Young Brecht, World War I, The Everyman, Brecht’s Inspiration, The Berliner Ensemble, Epic Theatre, Marxism, The Communist Manifesto, Verfremdungseffekt, Teaching Gestus, Mother Courage, War & Society, Exploring Mother Courage, Exploring Placards, Teaching Spass, Exploring Spass, Lehrstücke & ‘The Last Drop’ Lehrstücke.
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The “Teaching Steven Berkoff Resource Pack” is an invaluable compilation designed to assist educators in introducing the dynamic and influential work of Steven Berkoff to their students. This comprehensive resource pack includes various materials ranging from lesson ideas to workshop outlines and interactive exercises. Each component is crafted to elucidate Berkoff’s unique theatrical style—including his pioneering use of physical theatre, mime, the grotesque, and his narrative explorations through expressive movement—and engage students in practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Contents Include: 1950s UK Theatre, The Young Berkoff, Webber Douglas Academy, Kitchen Sink Drama, Introducing Total Theatre, Exploring Total Theatre, Levels of Exaggeration, Teaching Mime, Exploring Mime, The Grotesque, Metamorphosis (Case study), Exploring Kvetch, Essence Machine (Berkoff’s Coffee Shop), Mie, Burdens (Practical exercise), Jo-Ha-Kyu & Principle Terms Glossary.
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Exploring improvisation offers many invaluable skills and benefits. It serves as a playground where spontaneity, creativity, and adaptability thrive, allowing actors to hone their craft in a dynamic and immersive way. Improv enhances the ability to think on one’s feet, fostering quick thinking and the capacity to embrace unexpected challenges with confidence. It nurtures the art of active listening, collaboration, and the courage to take risks, amplifying an actor’s versatility and depth in portraying characters.
In this resource pack, we take a closer look at some key techniques and exercises to develop your actors in the classroom.
Contents Include
Why Improvise?, Spontaneity, Listening, Creativity, Adaptability, Teamwork, Emotional Agility, Storytelling, Blocking, Breaking Character, Physicality, Improvisation Exercises, Word-at-a-time, “Yes, And…”, Props Relay, Genre Switch, Character Walk, Story Circle, Freeze Tag, Press Conference, The Expert, Lesson Plan & Key Quotes.
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Uta Hagen was a pioneering figure in the acting world, and her insights have had a profound impact on the craft. Her emphasis on deep character exploration, authenticity, and using exercises like the Object Exercise helps actors develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of their characters. By studying Hagen’s techniques, students can improve their acting skills, better connect with the emotions and motivations of their characters, and ultimately deliver more compelling and genuine performances on stage or screen. Her teachings remain highly relevant and valuable for aspiring actors looking to hone their craft.
Contents Include: Biography, Substitution, Given Circumstances, Object Exercise, Emotional Preparation, Concentration, Relaxation, Moment Before, Sense Memory, Through-line of Action, Listening, Key Quotes & Lesson Plan.
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This resource pack provides practitioner techniques specifically to help pupils explore character development. The resource offers a starting point from which they can delve deeper into new ideas and methods through wider reading.
Exploring character development techniques and enhancing awareness of ideas nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as students navigate the nuances of character relationships, conflicts, and transformations. Ultimately, this exploration empowers drama pupils to become more proficient actors and storytellers, enabling them to communicate and connect with audiences on a more profound level.
Contents Include:
Stanislavski���s Method, Michael Chekhov’s “Psychological Gesture”, Augusto Boal’s “Theatre of the Oppressed”, Anne Bogart’s “Viewpoints”, Jerzy Grotowski’s “Physical Actions”, Jacques Lecoq’s “Corporeal Mime”, Uta Hagen’s “Object Exercises”, Meisner’s “Repetition”, Suzuki Method, Laban Movement Analysis, Jerzy Grotowski’s “Ritual & Poor Theatre”, Brecht’s “Alienation Effect”, Brecht-Weill’s “Song & Music”, Antonin Artaud’s “Theatre of Cruelty”, Peter Brook’s “Empty Space”, Linklater Technique, Fitzmaurice Voicework, Patsy Rodenburg’s “Speaking Shakespeare”, Cicely Berry’s “Vocal Method” & Key Quotes.
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This pack provides an exciting opportunity for your students to take a step into the world of acting for camera in your classroom. The class is tasked with creating their very own theatrical movie trailer for a brand new Hollywood blockbuster. In groups, they will analyse two popular trailers (Top Gun Maverick - Action and Man vs. Bee - Comedy) to learn the techniques professional editors use to engage their target audiences. The teacher can decide whether to have the class produce a staged version or use their phones/camera equipment to produce their trailers. The pack contains useful strategies for both options. Pupils will obtain an awareness of fundamental shooting techniques and additional extension tasks to scaffold learning within and beyond the classroom.
Contents include:
Introduction, Top Gun Maverick (Action), Man vs. Bee (Comedy), Task Objectives (Staged or Recorded), Explorative Strategies, Creating a Storyboard, Epic vs. Domestic, Pace & Tension, Juxtaposition, Cross-cutting, Flashback, Narration, Soundscape, Learning About Cinematography, iMovie Recording Tips, Close-up, Extreme Close-up, Medium Shot, Long/Wide Shot, Extreme Long/Wide Shot, Angle Shots, High-Angle, Low-Angle, Over the Shoulder, Bird’s Eye, Dutch Angle/Tilt, Extension Tasks, Hey, Producer!, A Night at the Oscars & UK & International Student Film Festivals.
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Studying comedy is valuable for drama students to enhance their acting skills. Comedy teaches students timing, improvisation, and nuanced delivery, contributing to versatile performances. Understanding comedic techniques helps actors connect with audiences through humour, develop precise physicality, and master the subtleties of expression. By delving into the world of comedy, drama students expand their range and gain insights that enrich their overall acting prowess, enabling them to engage audiences with laughter and emotion.
Contents Include: Introduction, Types of Comedy, Slapstick, Satire, Farce, Romantic Comedy, Dark Comedy, Absurdist, Parody, Musical Comedy, Comedy Techniques, Timing & Pacing, Exaggeration, Irony & Incongruity, Wordplay, Repetition, Breaking the Fourth Wall, Surprise, Double Entendre, Physical Comedy Exploration, Introduction to Clowning, Mime Mastery, Exaggerated Gesture Showdown, Improvisational Comedy Exploration, One-line Wonders, Delayed Reaction, Comedy Skit Mashup, Comedy Character Development, Physicality & Voice, Exploring Archetypes, Extreme Obsessions, Animal-Inspired Characters, Structuring Your Comedy & Strategies.
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Studying Greek theatre is vital for drama students as it provides a historical and artistic foundation for their craft. By exploring the works of ancient Greek playwrights and understanding the structure, themes, and techniques employed, students gain invaluable insights into character development, plot construction, and the power of ensemble work. Greek theatre serves as a wellspring of inspiration, nurturing creativity and deepening students’ understanding of the theatrical art form they pursue.
Contents Include:
Origins of Greek Theatre, Greek Theatre in Society, Greek Theatre in Modern Times, Greek Tragedies, Oedipus, Medea, The Bacchae, Greek Comedies, Lysistrata, The Frogs, Open-air Theatres, Greek Theatre Dramatic Techniques, Chorus, Dialogue & Monologues, Masks, The Three Unities, Catharsis, Dramatic Irony, Stichomythia, Deus ex Machina, Symbolsim, Physicality & Movement, Satire & Parody.
Greek Theatre Lesson Plans
Lesson 1 - Exploring Greek Theatre: An Introduction
Lesson 2 – Creating your own Greek Theatre piece
Lesson 3 – Exploring Greek Theatre Chorus
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This resource contains 10 outstanding one-off Drama lesson plans. Perfect for setting as cover work or a handy resource in your department if you ever need to teach an unexpected lesson!
Each lesson has been carefully structured to include lesson objectives, suggested lesson materials, starter activities, main activities, plenary, homework and assessment indicators.
Lessons Include:
Lesson 1 - Exploring Comedy
Lesson 2 - Exploring Shakespeare
Lesson 3 - Exploring Physical Theatre (Steven Berkoff)
Lesson 4 - Devising (Creating Original Theatre)
Lesson 5 - Exploring Thought-Tracking
Lesson 6 - Exploring Brecht’s Epic Theatre
Lesson 7 - Discovering Clowning
Lesson 8 - Script Work
Lesson 9 - Lighting & Sound Design
Lesson 10 - Tension States (Jacques Le Coq)
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Stanislavski was one of the most influential theatre practitioners of the twentieth century, creating a detailed and disciplined system by which an actor could create a sense of truth on stage, challenging the melodramatic and declamatory style of acting present in theatres at the time. In this scheme of work, we have picked out some key elements of Stanislavski’s system for you to use in the classroom to highlight to pupils the idea that actors have to train to learn their craft. The scheme follows a recommended progression of techniques and exercises to aid learning.
Contents Include:
**Historical Introduction **- Russian Theatre, The Young Stanislavski, Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, The Moscow Art Theatre & The Seagull
Relaxation - Guided Meditation, Introduction to the Alexander Technique, Alexander Technique - The String Exercise
**Concentration **- Exploring the Five Senses Lemons - Sharp Taste Exercise, Sense Memory into Emotion Memory, Blindfolded Touch Exercise, Applying Concentration to ‘Thing’s I Know To Be True’ by Andrew Bovell & Circles of Attention.
**Imagination **- Pass the Paper, The Magic If, The ‘What If’ Object, Show and Tell & Sentimental Value.
Communication - Rays of Energy, Practical Explorations 1-3, Given Circumstance Cards & Applying ‘Rays’ to a Script.
Tempo-Rhythm - Internal & External Rhythms & The Hospital Waiting Room.
**
Scoring of Actions**
Given Circumstances - Place & Time Lesson Cards
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At GCSE and A Level, students are required to have a strong understanding of technical elements. This resource pack guides students through each function and definition to enable them to produce more sophisticated responses across their group discussions, coursework and the final written examination.
Contents Include: Writing about Set Design, Scale, Era/Time Period, Materials, Location, Texture, Transitions, Set Design Styles, Fantasy, Realism, Symbolism, Minimalism, Staging Conventions, Proscenium Arch / End-on, Trust, In-the-round, Traverse, Promenade, Multi-focus Environments, Black Box, Created or Found Spaces, Promenade (2), Site-specific, Street Theatre, Technical Features, Revolve, Hydraulics & Trucks, Rostra, Flies, Projection, Gauze, Practitioners & Process, Jocelyn Herbert, Bunny Christie, Scale Models, Antigone & Stage Design Task.
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