Benefits of Drama Games

Ball toss

Ball toss is a great game to play during drama class because of the way that it unites the entire class. By playing this game, the class sees how much they depend on one another, and they begin to work together to achieve success. In addition to improving teamwork skills, ball toss also enhances concentration skills and is, in a way, a memory game. In your mind, you always have to remember who threw the ball to you, and whom you must throw the ball to. This giving and receiving causes a bond to form between the giver and the receiver. The rhythmic motion of giving and receiving becomes so fluid that soon the flow binds us together in unity. Memory is a very important skill in drama class because of the fact that acting does, for the most part, involve memorizing lines. Furthermore, it is imperative that you stay alert, for if you don’t wake up and smell the coffee, you might just get a surprise when the ball knocks you on the head.

Cross the ocean

‘Cross the ocean’ was another game that involved strategizing as a team. Together as a team, the students had to develop a plan of how they would cross the ‘burning lava’ using only a single piece of cloth, and of course, each other. Once again, the feeling of unity approached them as they discussed a plan of action, and together, carried it out. The teams encourages and cheered for each other, realizing how much they needed each other. This feeling of teamwork is an essential part of drama as nothing can be accomplished without it. If one is in a play, it is the actor/actresses that must synchronize together in order for success. It is a team effort. It is the sequences of events that bind together to convey ideas and messages. The feeling of being part of a team boosted our self-confidence, another extremely important trait for drama. In order to act in an efficient, effective manner, you must never worry what others think of you, and this skill can only be achieved by having as much confidence as possible.

Bang

Bang is a superb game that helps the students get to know each other in a fun and exciting way. It serves the purpose of getting to know your fellow classmates in the first week, and after that, it’s an awesome way to have an awesome time. Bang involves quick thinking. As soon as someone calls your name, you immediately have to duck while the students on either side of you have to yell ‘BANG’ and pretend to shoot you. At times, it turns out to be very difficult to duck down as soon as your name is called, as you often become engrossed in observing the game. It also serves as a comedy as the students watch the championships, a humorous show. Bang greatly helps your multitasking, helps to get to know each other, and certainly improves quick thinking.

Block to the left

Block to the left is a game that makes you become aware of your surroundings. When you realize that the block to your left is empty, you have to think quickly, and immediately call someone to come take his or her place. You soon learn your classmates’ names, and become familiar with them. As in most of the other drama games, ‘Block to the Left’ improves your self-confidence.

Eggs, chickens, and gorillas

This was a hilarious game because it allowed everyone to act silly and dramatic. By acting as eggs, chickens, and gorillas, we were not afraid to act silly, and once again, as in all our games, we felt united as a group, all acting in the same, insane manner. This game was great drama practice because we had to act like a real animal. For the person who is afraid to break out of his/her shell, it certainly helped to leg go of ourselves. ‘Eggs, chickens, and gorillas’ greatly improved our self-confidence, and allowed us to play rock, paper, scissors.