Warm Up Round Table: Warm Ups For Different Types of Plays

Warm-up games are never a throwaway activity; they transition students from the outside world to rehearsal world. They can be used to encourage ensemble building in your group and help students work on technical skills. Whether you’re rehearsing Shakespeare or devising an original work, there’s a warm-up just for you.

So… what should you look for?

Devised Work

In an original devised play, everyone has to work together to create, and not everything they create is going to be successful the first time. Pick warm-ups that help students get used to making mistakes and celebrating those mistakes.

Farce

Warm-ups that create energy. You want your students awake and moving! Get students used to making exaggerated physical choices.

Ensemble-based Work

You want your ensemble to operate as one. As a team. Look for warm-ups that emphasize teamwork.

Absurd or Abstract

In the absurd or abstract play nothing is naturalistic or realistic. Look for warm-ups that explore this concept. Non-realistic plays can be hard for students to connect to. Choose fun warm-ups to help break down the barrier.

Issue Based Drama

Warm-ups that create an environment of support. Issue-based dramas can open a can of worms for students. It’s important that your rehearsal environment is supportive when any unexpected emotions flood to the surface.

Shakespeare

Shakespeare is a mouthful, so prepare the mouth to move! Start rehearsals with warm-ups that focus on vocal articulation.

Comedy

Active physical warm-ups that get students laughing. Get your students in the right frame of mind for the work to come.

Drama

Listening exercises. Get students used to listening and reacting so that when these moments come up in the drama they will present as genuine. The key to acting in a serious moment is to listen and react and not just say lines by rote.

Student Directors

Student directors need to create an environment of command. Even though they’re working with their peers, they’re still in charge. Look for warm-ups where the cast has to follow instructions. Get the cast used to listening and taking direction.