Why we play drama games
Introduction
Drama games are a great way to introduce drama. They are an effective way for the students to warm up and for me to get to know them. Often times, I am the teacher, who also takes on the role of directing our plays, but with drama games; I am one of the students as well. The following are my top reasons why we play drama games during our time together:
Drama games are essential in two hour workshops
Drama games are essential to two hour workshops. They're a great way to get people to work together, think on their feet and be creative. Drama games can also help build confidence if you're new and don't know anyone at the workshop.
Drama games encourage students to think on our feet
Drama games can help develop your students' thinking skills. While it's true that there are some drama games that require memorization, many of them involve quick thinking and decision-making. This is because most drama games are played in front of a group, so students will be expected to think on their feet and react accordingly.
The key to using drama games well is knowing which type of game works best for the situation you're dealing with. For example, if you want to teach participants how to deal with an unexpected event at work or home, try a roleplay activity where they have limited information (i.e., “You've just been promoted! But then…”). On the other hand, if your objective is simply learning new material through participation (i.e., “How do I make this recipe? Let me show you”), consider using improv games like “Speed Dating” or “Storytelling with Questions Only."
Drama games build creativity and cooperation
Creativity is about being able to think outside the box. Drama games build creativity in a couple of ways. First, they help students develop their imaginations by requiring them to imagine what their character might do or say in different situations. Second, drama games encourage creative problem-solving because the challenges faced by characters are often not predictable: students need to come up with solutions on the fly and act them out as part of their performance.
Cooperation is about being able to work together with others—which can be challenging at times! Drama games require students to coordinate their actions and share roles with one another; this teaches them how much fun it can be when everyone works together!
Drama games increase confidence at a young age
Drama games are a great way to build confidence at a young age. They're also a fun, safe environment in which children can be creative and learn.
When you're playing drama games with your child, you'll pick a character for them to portray. Then you'll have them act out different scenarios using the character they played. For example, if your child is playing the role of Cinderella in one scenario, they might ask you to pretend that they've just lost their shoe and need help finding it before the ball starts!
The act-outs are often silly and make everyone laugh—but it's important for kids to see adults having fun too! This helps kids feel comfortable being themselves when playing drama games with adults later on in life (like telling jokes at work).
Drama games are the reason we love drama
Drama games are the reason we love drama. They help us to feel more comfortable in our bodies, with our voices and with each other. If you're new to a community or group of people, drama games can help you to become more confident and comfortable in front of others. They also teach us how to express ourselves through our bodies and voices.
Drama is fun!
Drama is always a great thing to do. It's fun, you can play it anywhere, and it doesn't need an audience! All you need is some friends and a little imagination. Drama games are great because they help people get better at acting skills so they can make friends and be more confident in front of others. Drama games are also fun because they teach kids how to express themselves through movement, words and feelings.
For example: You could pretend that your hand is a horse walking down the street towards someone else who pretends to be their friend - but then before they reach each other there's an earthquake! Now both people have to run away from the earthquake together while still holding hands!
Conclusion
We are big fans of drama games in all our workshops, and we encourage you to try a few for yourself. Drama is about the process of telling stories: telling them well, telling them with style, and above all else, having fun doing it! We hope you have enjoyed learning more about the benefits of playing drama games with your friends and family—and we wish you the best of luck on your own dramatic journey!
Why Shakespeare is still relevant to `Young People
Introduction
Shakespeare is an amazing writer. His stories are fun to read and you can find them in many different forms today. He was the most popular playwright of his time and he is still very famous today! Shakespeare changed the way people speak and write today because he made up so many new words when he wrote his stories, plays, and poems.
There are many versions of his plays and stories you may be familiar with, like Lion King and Ten Things I Hate About You.
There are many versions of his plays and stories you may be familiar with, like Lion King and Ten Things I Hate About You. His work has been adapted for film, TV, and theatre as well as children and young people. It's also been adapted for adults who want to see a modern version of one of his stories or plays. Shakespeare's work has even been adapted for different cultures around the world!
His plays retell stories we still tell today, but he told them first.
As you'll see in the examples below, Shakespeare's plays are still relevant to modern audiences. They tell stories that we still tell today, but he told them first.
Romeo and Juliet: The tragic love story of two teens from feuding families has been adapted many times over the years, including a 1996 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. In this version, the two meet when Romeo goes to the Capulets' ball with Benvolio (his best friend), where he sees Juliet for the first time and falls instantly in love with her. Later on in their relationship, they have a brief break-up when Romeo hears rumors about his friend Mercutio being killed by Tybalt; however, they reconcile before Romeo dies from wounds inflicted by his dagger while trying to save Juliet from committing suicide after learning she was pregnant with his child!
Othello: Shakespeare's tragedy is one of most famous stories ever told—and yet we still see adaptations today! In 2016's film "O" starring Kenneth Branagh as director/actor/producer Kenneth Branagh who played Iago alongside David Oyelowo (Othello), Michael Fassbender (Cassio) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Bassanio). It follows an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play "Othello". The story centers around General Othello who serves under Venice’s governor Brabantio until he meets Desdemona who falls instantly in love with him; however upon finding out about their impending marriage Brabantio tries everything possible--even hiring Iago to take care of this issue--to stop them from tying together forever by having Desdemona killed!"
There is a modern translation of Shakespeare’s works! These are written in today’s language so you can understand the story better.
Shakespeare’s works are written in old English, which can be hard to understand. Luckily there is a modern translation of Shakespeare's works! These are written in today’s language so you can understand the story better.
Shakespeare wrote plays and stories to tell people truths about life. He shows you that nothing ever stays the same and everything changes in life.
Shakespeare wrote plays and stories to tell people truths about life. He shows you that nothing ever stays the same and everything changes in life. It might be better or worse, but it will always change. Shakespeare’s plays are timeless, because they are about the human condition and how people deal with love, hate, war, peace and death.
Everyone can enjoy Shakespeare’s work!
It's no secret that Shakespeare has been a hugely influential writer and performer throughout history. But many people think that his work is too difficult to understand or appreciate, and therefore dismiss it as irrelevant to young people. They couldn't be more wrong!
Here are some reasons why you should revisit Shakespeare's work:
His plays are still popular today. They're performed all over the world in various languages, including English and Spanish (Hamlet en español!). In fact, newly translated versions of some of his best-loved plays are still being written about today!
There are also tons of books available that analyze his works from different perspectives. For example, if you want a literary analysis from an expert who has spent years studying Shakespeare's work—and how it relates to what we know about life today—check out Stephen Greenblatt's Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare.*
Conclusion
If you think Shakespeare is boring because his plays are too hard to read and understand, then try reading one of the modern versions. You can find them at any library or bookshop. If you want to enjoy watching his plays, there are many movies based on his stories that you can watch. So if you feel like taking a break from your usual shows and movies, watch something different! It may help you think about life in a new way!
Why is drama so important for young people?
Introduction
The developmental benefits of drama for children are endless, and it's never too early to start introducing your little one to the stage. Drama can help build confidence and self-esteem, improve language skills, teach empathy, and aid in social and communication skills. All of these benefits make up a well-rounded child who is able to express themselves creatively whether in the classroom or on the playground. Let's explore more about how dramatic play supports your child's development at any age.
What is "drama"?
Drama is a form of theatre. It can also be considered a form of art, but not necessarily. Drama is a way for people to communicate with each other through stories and plays. Sometimes drama can be used as an educational tool to teach people about important issues in society, such as racism or bullying.
Drama is often used as entertainment for the masses, but it can also be seen as sport for actors who perform on stage or film sets!
1. Drama helps children develop important social and communication skills
Social skills are important for success in school. They help children develop the ability to work with others and deal with conflict. These skills can also be useful outside of school, especially when it comes to making friends or getting a job.
Communication Skills: The ability to express yourself clearly and effectively can help you do well on tests, project assignments, and even presentations at work.
Listening Skills: Listening is one part of communication; it means paying attention when someone speaks or reads aloud. If you're not listening carefully, your classmates won't feel like sharing their ideas!
Speaking Skills: Speaking clearly helps people understand what you're saying when they hear it—and allows them know how you feel about things too (like whether you're angry).
Reading Skills: Reading silently helps us think through problems before giving our answers out loud—which means everyone else will benefit from our thinking instead of being confused by what we say!
2. Drama helps children learn how to be part of a team.
Drama teaches children how to be part of a team, which is an important skill for young people. In drama, you learn how to work with others to achieve a common goal.
If you take part in drama classes at school or youth club, your child will begin to understand that they must listen and respect other members of their group if they want the project to succeed.
3. Drama helps children overcome shyness and self-consciousness
Drama helps children overcome shyness and self-consciousness. It is often difficult for children to speak in front of others and even more difficult for them to do so when they are being judged by their peers or an audience. Drama provides a safe environment where children can overcome their inhibitions, fears of speaking in public, and fear of being judged. This prepares them to face the world in later life when they have to communicate effectively with others both verbally and non-verbally.
4. Drama helps children improve their language skills.
Drama is a great way to improve your language skills. It's not just about learning new words and ways of expressing yourself; it's also about listening to others and speaking to them in a way that they will understand you. For example, when playing with friends, you might say something like "My parents aren't home today. Let's go over there!" This is an example of using active grammar—the word order emphasizes that your parents are away because they're at work or running errands.
In drama class, students learn how to speak clearly and clearly express their thoughts in front of other people. This can be very challenging for most children who have shy personalities! They also learn how important it is not only having good ideas but also sharing those ideas with others so everyone can benefit from them.
5. Drama helps build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience in kids
Drama helps build confidence, self-esteem and resilience in kids. Children who take part in drama are more confident in their own abilities, opinions and ideas than those who don't. Drama also teaches children how to deal with negative feedback or criticism; if they hear something negative about themselves on stage they have to learn how to handle it gracefully.
6. Drama teaches empathy and understanding of others
Drama also teaches children to understand the feelings of others and how people live, think and act. Drama can be used as a tool to help children understand the world around them, including their own emotions. It gives them an opportunity for self-reflection, which is beneficial for their growth as human beings.
It is important for young people to develop empathy towards others because it helps them grow into well-rounded individuals who are able to contribute positively towards society at large.
6 Benefits of drama for children summary
Drama helps children develop important social and communication skills
Drama helps children learn how to be part of a team
Drama helps children overcome shyness and self-consciousness
Drama helps children improve their language skills
A child's development can be greatly enhanced by participation in drama as a school subject or as an activity outside of school.
Drama is a great way for kids to learn about themselves and others. It helps them develop communication skills and encourages them to work as part of a team. Drama also helps kids overcome shyness, self-consciousness and improves their language skills.
Participating in drama can help children develop social skills by working with others on projects. This is especially important when you consider that bullying has become more prevalent in recent years with online technology allowing people to say hurtful things anonymously.
Conclusion
Drama is a great way for children to have fun and make friends, but it also has many other benefits. Drama can help children develop social and communication skills, overcome shyness and build confidence. For young people with unique requirements such as autism or ADHD, drama can be an ideal activity to improve social skills such as taking turns and understanding others' points of view.
Oscars
The news has been awash with opinion pieces on the Will Smith/Chris Rock debate. I just feel it is a huge shame that this has taken the focus away from the winning film Coda. For 16 years we have put creativity and inclusion high on our agenda and Violence, Cruel jokes and silencing women do not feature. We promise to keep it that way.
Solidarity
Whilst we remain apolitical as an organisation, we find ourselves in a position of huge frustration at the recent government announcement and, sadly, the predictable lack of clarity. We understand the seriousness of the Pandemic, and this is reflected in our processes, procedures and staff training in order to ensure we are as safe as we can be. We have, at no small expense, ensured that both ourselves and the venue we work in, are COVID secure. We work with young people who are spending all day in far less COVID secure Schools. There is a huge lack of common sense being applied to the the decision making around the lockdown. As far as we are concerned, our company provides a safe, secure educational environment for our young people. A place where they can leave their anxiety at the door. A mental health check in. We are not alone. All over the local area, similar sized organisations are feeling the same. We are entitled to no support. No financial help. We send love and solidarity to all of the other local organisations in the same situation as us.
We continue to seek clarity as to whether we can continue. We believe our service is essential to many, and also believe that we cannot really do this remotely.
Feed the Children
Our campaign to get Central Bedfordshire Council appears to be gaining some attention which is great. They have seemingly backed down under pressure from all angles, and announced that the Free School meal voucher scheme is being extended to include this half term. The fact that this was announced in a press release on Sunday afternoon tells you that there has been a bit of a panic. It is excellent news of course, but the fight is not over. This scheme does not cover the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children who all get free school meals. Now many of those will be in a position to afford to eat at home. After all, we estimate that around 12% of children in Central Bedfordshire are entitled to free school meals. However, this does not tell the full story. COVID has hit many families very hard. Many of those kids who are entitled to free school meals usually will be in a parlous position due to huge gaps in funding and support. The free School meals campaign needs to include families who are working too, but who have suffered catastrophic losses to their income or businesses. We have the money. The government have spent less than half to support families than they did on the Banking crisis bailout. Local councils have been provided the funds to support those in need, but many of them are rather reticent on providing evidence of how and who they have supported. None of this matters though….If there is a hungry child, then we have failed. It is as simple as that. There are two things I suggest everybody read….the first is a facebook post from someone called Lucy Wood
Lucy Wood
23 hrs ·
When I was a child my Mum spent all her money on alcohol. She left me home alone for hours often with empty cupboards. Once I was so hungry, I mixed everything I could find in the kitchen in a big pot and ate it. I was sick for a week.
I would turn up on peoples doorsteps that I knew in the area and ask for food. I was taken in by an old man named John who would feed me and I would often be sitting on my aunts doorstep when she came home from work. One such evening my aunt lost her temper, walked me to the pub my Mum was in, pulled her out and they started fighting outside the pub. Despite all the traumatic childhood memories I have, that one is so vivid. I was so desperate to stop that fight. I was six years old.
According to some small minded people, I deserved to starve as a child because my Mum shouldn't have given birth to me. I quite agree, I wish she hadn't, my childhood was a living nightmare but it was peoples kindness that got me through it. I dread to think how I would have turned out if it wasn't for the kindness of strangers, my aunt/my rock and moving in with my Dad when I was 10, saved me.
Don't be so quick to condemn vulnerable children to starvation, they should never be punished because of the actions of their parents. The Tories are scum because they have the power to offer kindness and a decent meal to children in need but they have chosen not to. All whilst they burgle the public purse to keep their cronies bank balances fat.
The second recommended read is a book by Kerry Hudson called “Lowborn”, which tells the tale of Kerry’s upbringing in poverty.
We are headed into another pandemic, that of poverty.
An estimated 14.3 million people are in poverty in the UK
8.3 million are working-age adults, 4.6 million are children, and 1.3 million are of pension age
Around 22% of people are in poverty, and 34% of children are
Just under half (49%) of those in poverty are in “persistent poverty” (people who would also have fallen below the poverty line in at least two of the last three years). This is as of 2016/17
Working-age people in poverty are increasingly likely to be in working families
Most poverty rates aren’t all that different to what they were at the start of the 2000s. The most marked reduction has been in pensioner poverty, it is almost half as common as it was back in 2000, while rates for working-age adults are now slightly higher
Poverty rates fell in the years after 2010, as the UK recovered from the financial crisis, but are now showing clear signs of rising again
For full information on the above figures and more click here
Please lets keep the pressure on those that can do something about this.
Sign our petition
Triple threat?
I’m often irritated by this phrase. For those of you who don’t know, it is a phrase, much loved in theatrical circles, to describe someone with acting, singing and dancing skills. We have worked with many young people who are excellent in all three of these disciplines, so my annoyance with the phrase is not targeted at them. However, there is an inbuilt implication that to only have two “threats” is to be deficient in some way. There is of course, an added complication. We worked with a young man around 14 years ago, who had never appeared on a stage. He is about to graduate from drama school with what I would call an “Octopus threat”, in that he can act, sing, dance and is a multi instrumentalist. He is quite brilliant. However, this does not make him better than Ian McKellen. Performance should not be about the acquisition of skills to make others feel deficient, but more about building your own personal skills and being the very best version of you. I worry that sometimes our drama schools are obsessing about the triple threat more than working on building the person.
Why Up-Stage?
I recently had a long conversation with a friend who asked me what was the difference between Up-Stage and other Youth theatre providers. It's a difficult question to answer for many reasons. I always make sure that we get across to our parents that we are independent. This is not to criticise the big franchises that offer a similar service. They have their place as much as we do. I just pride myself that we know every child very well. We know what they are confident about, what they are not confident about, and quite importantly, what they are not yet capable of. Larger franchises tend to have their content chosen for them, and their techniques dictated. This, of course, provides continuity, but I think our children deserve more than that. We have recently said goodbye to one of our students who joined us when she was 8 years old. We saw a small, shy child, flower into a confident performer, who is now pursuing a career in the performing arts. We don't take the credit for that, she does. What we do take the credit for is providing a caring, nurturing environment for young people to discover themselves. The sessions are precious to them. They want new people to feel welcome, but also want them to understand that the sessions are precious to them. I am so very proud of the sense of pride that they have in their groups. They create small families. As a result of this, I tend to write a lot of the plays that we perform. From comedy to tragedy, we ensure that the performers are given opportunities to think, create and develop within a framework specifically written for them. We do perform others work of course, and the variety also helps, but I believe that we are unique on the offer we have.
Drama undervalued
With the endless cuts and devaluation of the so-called "Soft" subjects in the education system, I suppose that I should be happy. Surely, well-established companies like Up-Stage will benefit from the obvious taste for drama? Well...no basically. Once the subject starts to disappear from the psyche, it can remain elsewhere. Drama should, and does, seep through into every subject, every day. The life skills and confidence it brings are essential. I have never heard of a scientist that doesn't use creative thought processes when working, and yet, the powers that be seem to be oblivious to this fact. If I might also address the idea of "Soft subjects". The arts brings in Billions of pounds to this country. That is clearly not the only benefit, but if, like this government seems to think, that you can only judge value financially, then it still "wins". The other values, the ones that every child I have worked with seems to understand fundamentally, are there for all to see. The tourism, the mental health benefits, the everyday skills of teamwork....this is just the tip of the iceberg. So no, I do not want to see drama disappear from Schools. I see what we do at Up-Stage as something that enhances that. In the meantime of course, we might be providing the only regular drama that children get. If that is the case, then so be it. However, I think we should all be fighting this. I know of one local school that has removed drama from its timetable. I worked in one that has now removed it as a regularly timetabled subject. This is an attack on culture, and one on those, many of whom can ill afford to pay for drama privately. We are working on many ideas to help this situation, but please, protest, complain and write to people.