Drama Game: The Enchanted Forest

Age: 7–12 years

Players: Whole Class

Time: 15 minutes

Skills: Movement, Characterisation

Pair shapes

Divide the class into pairs. Partners should work together to make the physical shape of any object, character or animal that might be found in an enchanted forest, for example a spooky tree, fish in a stream, magical flower, spider, dragonfly, fairy spirit.

Don't limit students to objects and characters from Shakespeare's play – this is a chance to let their imaginations fly. Remember, the characters and objects should be magical!

Everybody stands in a circle. Students step in with their partner to make their shapes. They should state what their object is by saying ‘I am…’ or ‘We are…’. For example, a squirrel eating a magical acorn, a fairy king and queen having an argument, or a wizard woodpecker meeting a grasshopper. Objects and characters from different pairs should relate to each other where appropriate.

Once the stage picture is completed, you can ask students to describe their character/object with an adjective or sentence when you tap them on the shoulder, or bring the scene to life for a few moments by clapping your hands.

When you're finished, wave your hands and say ‘Whoosh!’ to clear the space. You can mention any of their characters and objects that are particularly relevant to A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Teaching Tips

• Play some atmospheric music
• Darken the room or colour the lights if you can!

Playing Online

Give students 20 seconds to draw an object or character related to the enchanted forest. They should hold up their drawings to the camera at the end of the time limit. Next, they should perform the image in the drawing by using their body (step away from the camera to make space). Ask students to guess what others have made and then use the follow-up activities above.

David Farmer runs the website www.dramaresource.com – a site that offers a wide range of ideas, games and courses for drama practitioners. This is adapted from an extract from his new book Drop of a Hat: Drama Lessons, Games and Activities.