Drama Games – serie

101 great drama games for use in any classroom or workshop setting. Part of the Nick Hern Books Drama Games series.A dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book, packed with 101 lively drama games suitable for players of all ages, with many appropriate for children from age 6 upwards. Whilst aimed primarily at school, youth theatre and community groups, they are equally fun - and instructional - for adults to play in workshop or rehearsal settings.'An extraordinarily helpful compendium... a valuable help to directors, teachers and workshop leaders' Max Stafford-Clark, from his Foreword

As part of the ever-growing, increasingly popular Drama Games series, Jessica Swale returns with another dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book, packed with dozens of drama games that can be used in the process of devising theatre.The games will be invaluable to directors and theatre companies at all levels who are creating new pieces of theatre from scratch and need lively, dynamic games to fire the imagination. They will particularly appeal to school, youth theatre and community groups where devising is a growing trend – and a core element of the drama curriculum.Written with clear instructions on How to Play, notes on the Aim of the Game, and illuminating examples from professional productions, the games cover every aspect of the devising process and develop all the skills required: generating ideas, creating characters and scenarios, using stimuli, structuring the piece, and creating an ensemble.Mike Leigh, the most dedicated and celebrated creator of devised work, hails the book in his foreword as 'highly original and massively useful'.'A remarkable compendium of games and exercises… a lively starting point for rich invention' Mike Leigh, from his Foreword

A dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book in the Nick Hern Books Drama Games series, this title is for teachers and workshop leaders working with difficult or reluctant students, youth groups, young offenders, and all those who seem intent on saying 'no' to whatever is offered them. 'This book offers invaluable ways for artists, teachers, workshop leaders and activists to better use the arts to empower young people' Ken Livingstone, from his Foreword.For these groups, drama games and activities need to be robust and engaging, and the dozens that appear in this book have been devised with this in mind - and then tested by their target players. Each page features clear instructions on How to Play, notes on the Benefits of the Game, and advice on age range, number of players and timing.Following the ninety games and exercises aimed at developing core skills, the book offers scenarios for a series of improvisational challenges that test participants' abilities in mediation, communication, negotiation, assertiveness and managing emotions. Also included is a collection of games aimed at preparing teachers and workshop leaders for facilitating challenging sessions.The ultimate aim is to encourage reluctant participants to engage, collaborate and develop not just skills for drama but skills for life.

'I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out as a young director... I cannot recommend it highly enough' Marianne Elliott, from her ForewordThis dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book in the bestselling Drama Games series offers dozens of ideas and exercises to energise and inspire a bold, creative rehearsal process for any play, of any period or genre.Aimed at directors of all levels, it covers every aspect of rehearsal, including:Warm-up exercises to prepare the body, voice and mind, and to create a strong ensembleIdeas for approaching the text, tackling the 'Story of the Play'A wealth of games for unlocking the 'World of the Play', including developing characters, finding a physical style, understanding genre and investigating themesSuggestions for exploring sound and music, whether for use in the production or simply to encourage a sense of fun in rehearsalsThis essential 'go-to' book will provide you with a host of original and illuminating games, perfect for the play you're rehearsing, be it Shakespeare or Greek tragedy, a Restoration comedy, physical theatre, Modern Naturalism – or even a brand new play.Marianne Elliott, one of the most innovative and exciting directors working anywhere in the world, describes it as a 'beautiful, and very clearly written book' which will become her 'constant companion in future'.

From the bestselling Drama Games series, this dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book offers dozens of games to serve as a rich source of ideas and inspiration for all actors – and those teaching or directing them.This must-have companion is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the actor’s process:Self provides methods to deepen relaxation, sharpen focus, boost energy, expand imagination and enable a company of actors to work collaborativelyCharacter suggests strategies to aid the process of transformation, encouraging actors to explore characteristics that are distinct from their ownAnd Text offers exercises to unlock the words, allowing free and imaginative work within the structure of a script, without losing specificityThe games range from solo explorations which can be performed alone, to ideas for pairs and group work – making them suitable for a wide variety of scenarios and requirements. Overall, the book will serve as an essential foundation for every actor’s creativity, helping improve preparation, rehearsal and performance.‘A mass of invaluable ideas for all ages and all types of actors, amateur or professional. It’s hard to imagine anyone involved in theatre who wouldn’t find it useful.’ Richard Eyre, from his Foreword

From the bestselling Drama Games series, this dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book – packed with over 200 individual games – is perfect for teachers, playgroup leaders and drama facilitators who want to inspire and entertain children, aged 3 and up, with vibrant and engaging drama experiences.The book includes 40 complete and easy-to-follow lesson plans that can be implemented with little prior preparation – all appropriate for exploring the curriculum or running extra-curricular workshops.The action-packed sessions will transport you and your group to enchanted forests, pirate ships, bustling farmyards or the bottom of the sea, via magic-carpet rides or a journey through outer space. They incorporate vocal exercises, mime and movement, nursery rhymes and fairytales, character development, costumes, songs and music, puppetry, art and text work. Also included is advice on preparing sessions, and a template lesson plan.The most comprehensive and practical drama resource ever published for anyone working with young children (including parents!), the book offers material that will engage any child, from the most reticent to the supremely confident. It is an ideal way to explore and encourage skills of creativity, self-expression, tolerance, mutual respect, problem-solving and communication, in a safe, non-threatening environment.'Tapping into a child’s ability to play is the way to educate our children and inspire them to learn. Katherine Zachest understands this and her book is a fantastic tool with which to do it.' Sally Cookson, from her Foreword

This dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book, part of the bestselling Drama Games series, offers dozens of games and exercises to explore the fundamental concepts of clowning and physical comedy, encourage playfulness, curiosity and collaboration, and help develop performance material.These active and engaging games focus on a wide range of core skills, including:Building and strengthening connections through collaboration and ensemble workDeveloping physical and mental flexibilityUsing restrictions, problems and accidents to devise routines and scenesUsing props to reveal thoughts and emotions and deepen relationshipsThroughout, the focus is on how to develop a playful mind and body, listen to and observe the world around you, and improve your ability to express yourself physically.This essential book is invaluable for actors, improvisers, comedians, directors and teachers looking to explore the principles of clowning to enrich performance skills, generate original material or bring a fresh approach to scripted work.'There are eighty games in this book: eighty opportunities to capture a mood, provoke a response and excite creativity. They are a gift. I wish I'd had this book a couple of decades ago' John Wright, from his Foreword'The perfect companion for any director, this is the most imaginative and comprehensive book of theatre games I have seen' Cal McCrystal (comedy director for The Mighty Boosh, One Man, Two Guvnors and Paddington)Joe Dieffenbacher is a teacher, director, designer, author and actor known for his theatre, circus and cabaret performances under the name nakupelle. He has worked with companies and venues including Shakespeare's Globe, Disney and the Scottish National Opera, as well as co-creating sequences for the Closing Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.