Open and Close

From ‘101 MORE Drama Games and Activities’

From ‘101 Drama Games and Activities’

Age: 5 to adult
Players: Small Groups
Time: 10-15 minutes
Tags: #Improvisation,  #Mime and movement

A stunning way of performing freeze-frames

A way to tell a story using freeze frames. It’s like using blackouts on stage – but with no technical equipment required! Divide the class into small groups and give them the task of telling a story using a specific number of still images – 3 is a good number. Make sure they practice moving from image to image.

When the time comes to share the work, the audience members close their eyes while the first group gets into position. When the first image is ready, the teacher says “Open”. The audience open their eyes for a few moments and look at the scene. Now the teacher says “Close” and the audience shut their eyes again.

Quickly, the performers move into the second position and the audience are asked to open their eyes. Repeat until all the images have been shown.

Director’s Tips

  • The teacher can help the group get into position while the audience close their eyes.
  • It’s a good idea to show the images a second time and use thought tracking.
  • The effect is like reading a flick book or a photo album!

Age: 5 to adult
Players: Small Groups
Time: 10-15 minutes
Tags: #Improvisation,  #Mime and movement

A stunning way of performing freeze-frames

A way to tell a story using freeze frames. It’s like using blackouts on stage – but with no technical equipment required! Divide the class into small groups and give them the task of telling a story using a specific number of still images – 3 is a good number. Make sure they practice moving from image to image.

When the time comes to share the work, the audience members close their eyes while the first group gets into position. When the first image is ready, the teacher says “Open”. The audience open their eyes for a few moments and look at the scene. Now the teacher says “Close” and the audience shut their eyes again.

Quickly, the performers move into the second position and the audience are asked to open their eyes. Repeat until all the images have been shown.

Director’s Tips

  • The teacher can help the group get into position while the audience close their eyes.
  • It’s a good idea to show the images a second time and use thought tracking.
  • The effect is like reading a flick book or a photo album!

DRAMA DOWNLOAD

NEW: Guide to Freeze-Frames and Still Images

Practical information and ideas about using freeze-frames and still images in drama and other lessons, including Benefits, When and How to use them, combining with Drama Strategies, 50+ ways to use them across the curriculum and a handy photocopiable evaluation checklist!

Click the button to download the full 7-page Freeze-Frames and Still Images Drama Unit (PDF) for just £4.99 with PayPal.