This resource pack contains over 70 of our favourite tried and tested Drama rehearsal techniques. This pack is great for students to look through ahead of their devising process at both GCSE and A Level, as well as a very useful revision tool for all of the written exam units.
Contents Include:
Physical Rehearsal Techniques
Bigger & Bigger, Mirror Work, Sculpting, Physical Dialogue, Mime, Tension States – Jacques Lecoq, Valley of the Giants – Jacques Lecoq, Exploring ways to Touch, Tableau, Rhythm & Ritualism, Levels of Exaggeration – Steven Berkoff, Stylised Movement, Clowning, Neutral Mask, Exploring Levels, Round-By-Through, Fluff Picking, Non-verbal Language, Push Hands, Ladders Exercise, Steps, Contact Improvisation, Playing with Stance, Physical Gestus – Bertolt Brecht, Physical Punctuation, Animal Study – Lee Strasberg, Hand of Charisma, Bamboo Sticks, Shoaling, Prop Integration, Proxemics, Harshness & Tenderness, Laban Efforts – Rudolf Laban, Mie, Cartoon Mime, Marche Sur Place, Viewpoints, Melodrama & Physical Verbatim - DV8.
Vocal Rehearsal Techniques
Actioning, Choral Speech, Lip Trills & Flutters, Tongue Twisters, Experimenting with Pitch, Accents, Intonation, Emotional Range, Recording Dialogue, The Ultimate List of Tongue Twisters, On Breath – Antonin Artaud, Gibberish, Resonance & Humming.
Subtext Rehearsal Techniques
Magic If – Konstantin Stanislavski, Hot Seating, Inner Thoughts/ Thought Tracking, Conscience Alley, Repetition, Master & Servant, Temporal Divisions, Role on the Wall, Seven Questions – Konstantin Stanislavski, Given Circumstances, Soliloquy, Role-reversal, Visualisation, Writing in Role, Capturing the Essence, The Missing Scene, Genre Splicing, Off-text Improvisation, Identifying Basic Needs, Discussion & Exploration, The Big Secret, Tempo Rhythm – Konstantin Stanislavski.
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This pack contains essential techniques, strategies and inspiration for students embarking on their Drama GCSE or A Level devising process. This guide is suited to GCSE and A Level students and supports their journey from stimuli to the final performance.
More Drama resources are available at Subject Resources.
Contents Include: The Starting Point, Working with a Stimulus, Discussion & Planning, Research, Rehearsal Advice, Break the Ice, Aims & Objectives, Artistic Intentions, Style, Verbatim, Dislocated Dialogue, Creative Writing, Staging, Entrances & Exits, Newspaper Buffet, Image Theatre, The Elephant in the Room, Perspectives, Character Function, Engaging the Audience, Pace & Tension, Juxtaposition, Conscience Alley, Thought Tracking, Marking the Moment, Motif, Cross-cutting, Flashback, Narration, Role Play, Inspirational Quotes and 6-Week Devising Planner.
This pack provides a deeper look at the techniques and methodologies of Konstantin Stanislavski (1863-1938). This pack is perfect for independent student learning or can be used as a valuable resource whilst teaching.
Areas covered: The First Acquaintance, Three Core Elements, Given Circumstances, Actioning, Subtext, Tempo Rhythm, Circles of Attention, Units & Objectives, Method of Physical Actions, Emotion Memory, Imagination, Circles of Attention, Before-time, Public Solitude, Endowment, Magic If, Active Analysis, Relaxation, Influences, The Fourth Wall, Key Quotes, The Moscow Art Theatre, The American Tour, The Method (overview), The Young Stanislavski, Principle Terms Glossary.
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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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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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.
For more Drama resources, visit Subject Resources.
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)
For more outstanding Drama lesson resources, visit Subject Resources.
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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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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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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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.
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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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
Looking for more great practice questions to help your student studying Find Me for their exam? Look no further!
I have created a bank of 16 questions split across 4, 6 and 8 marks responses to help students with their revision.
Some questions also include exemplar answers to share with your students.
This pack contains techniques and methodologies from 12 leading theatre practitioners. This guide is perfect to help students with their GCSE and A Level Drama course content for devising and general revision. Each practitioner section contains a quick reference table of their most popular techniques for students to learn and apply to their own practice.
Practitioners included: Stanislavski, Artaud, Brecht, Meisner, Littlewood, Hagen, Grotowski, Berkoff, Kneehigh, Complicité, Frantic Assembly & Punchdrunk.
This pack contains techniques and methodologies from 12 leading theatre practitioners. This guide is perfect to help students with their GCSE and A Level Drama course content for devising and general revision. Each practitioner section contains a quick reference table of their most popular techniques for students to learn and apply to their own practice.
Practitioners included
Stanislavski, Artaud, Brecht, Meisner, Littlewood, Hagen, Grotowski, Berkoff, Kneehigh, Complicité, Frantic Assembly & Punchdrunk.
Introduce your students to Berkoff’s Kvetch with this set of ‘moan’ cards. Simply cut them out, laminate and give to students to act out.
Students will have loads of fun working on these cards either in pairs or small groups.
This pack provides a deeper look at the techniques and methodologies of Lee Strasberg (1901-1982). This pack is perfect for independent student learning or can be used as a valuable resource whilst teaching.
Areas covered: Biography, Group Theatre 1931, Relaxation, Concentration, Sense Memory, Breakfast Drink, Daily Activity, Private Moment, Private Moment Exercise, Improvisation, Animal Study, Anticipation, Director, Creating Character, Given Circumstances, Word & Lines & Key Quotes.
More Drama resources are available from Subject Resources.