Drama Game: Groovy Image Factory

Age: 7 to adult

In this game (previously titled Essence Machines) we make our own human versions of GIFs!

Announce a phrase, such as ‘The dog ate my homework’, ‘Here we go again’, ‘I want to be alone’ or ‘Get your act together’. Give pairs 60 seconds to work out repeating actions and words. One person speaks the phrase while the other reacts dramatically. Physical movement is important, and the action should loop over and over (just like a GIF). Share the work – then sit back and enjoy how many different ideas have been generated.

Now move onto the group GIF. Stand in a circle and explain that we’re going to create one big Groovy Image Factory out of the whole group. Announce a theme (see ideas below), then one person at a time steps forward to begin a repeating movement plus words/sounds. As other people join in, they should try to relate to players already in the space, so that a linked GIF with repetitive actions is built up. They can be people or objects which move (and make sounds).