Drama Menu

Synopsis

Drama Menu is a brand new concept for planning and delivering dynamic, progressive drama lessons and workshops. Packed with over 150 tried-and-tested theatre games, exercises and improvisation ideas, it's an essential resource for any drama teacher or workshop leader - guaranteed to deliver delicious drama sessions every time.

Simply make a selection from each of the three courses, and your whole drama session will come to life with new-found energy and focus:

• Appetisers are fast-paced warm-up exercises to energise and enthuse the group;
• Starters are the intermediary course to challenge the players and encourage creativity;
• Main Courses provide the central part of the session, culminating in a final performance piece;
• And a few Desserts are also provided, if you have some space at the end of your session for something sweet.

Drama Menu is the recipe book that will relieve the stress of planning lessons and workshops. Now you can get on with what you do best: delivering creative drama sessions that will have your groups hungry for more.

Join the online Drama Menu community, browse and share other recommended menus, and download a comprehensive Resource Pack and selection of sound effects, providing everything you need to start playing straight away.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Drama

* Emphasizes the value of drama in child development, fostering creativity, imagination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
* Example: A child role-playing as a doctor can gain empathy and understanding of the medical profession.

Chapter 2: Getting Started with Drama

* Provides practical tips for incorporating drama into the classroom, such as creating a safe and supportive environment and selecting appropriate activities.
* Example: Establishing clear expectations and rules for participation helps maintain a positive atmosphere.

Chapter 3: Warm-Up Games and Activities

* Offers a collection of games and exercises designed to engage students, build confidence, and develop drama skills.
* Example: "Simon Says" improves listening and following instructions.

Chapter 4: Basic Drama Techniques

* Introduces fundamental techniques in drama, including characterization, improvisation, and storytelling.
* Example: Students can create shadow puppets to represent different characters and explore their motivations.

Chapter 5: Developing Dramatic Skills

* Focuses on fostering specific drama skills, such as voice projection, physical expression, and emotional connection.
* Example: Having students whisper, shout, and vary their pitch exercises vocal control.

Chapter 6: Creating and Presenting a Scene

* Guides students through the process of developing and performing a scene, from scriptwriting to character interpretation.
* Example: A scene exploring friendship dynamics between two characters can teach students about relationships and conflict resolution.

Chapter 7: Working with Different Texts

* Explores how drama can be used to engage with various texts, such as literature, poetry, and non-fiction.
* Example: Students can adapt a short story into a performance to deepen their understanding of the characters and themes.

Chapter 8: Assessment and Evaluation

* Provides guidance on assessing and evaluating students' drama skills, both formally and informally.
* Example: Using rubrics to measure specific criteria, such as characterization and communication, ensures fairness and provides constructive feedback.

Chapter 9: Drama and Literacy

* Highlights the connection between drama and literacy development, promoting vocabulary, comprehension, and written expression.
* Example: A drama activity where students create a storyboard for a scene can enhance their storytelling abilities.

Chapter 10: Drama and Other Curriculum Areas

* Explores how drama can be integrated with other subjects, such as science, math, and history.
* Example: A historical reenactment allows students to experience past events from the perspective of different individuals.