Lesson Plans

Drama Game: Upstage/Downstage

Drama Game
A lively game for learning about blocking (stage positioning and movement).
 David Hurtado
David Hurtado

Age: 8 to adult

Players: Whole Class

Time: 10 – 20 minutes

Skills: Concentration, energiser

This is my adaptation of the game Pirates and can be played on the stage (with a health and safety warning) or a large space (mark out a rectangle on the floor).

Begin by explaining how theatre stages traditionally slope down towards the audience – and therefore the front of the stage is called ‘down stage’. Clarify that ‘left’ and ‘right’ are given from the point of view of the actors. Explain the names of the other parts of the stage (see diagram).

Now ask participants to spread out on the stage area. Explain that you will call out stage directions and they should follow them as quickly as possible – or they will be ‘out’. Those who are out become the audience at the front. Begin by calling out some of the stage positions, for example:

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