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CANADIAN WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
BOSSE VIER LEBEN UNIVERSAL MUSIC
PERFORMANCE &
Movement
Is a fundamental aspect of acting that helps young actors develop body awareness, coordination, and expressiveness.
Here are two engaging movement exercises and how they are applied, designed for actors aged 6-12, along with additional exercises to enhance their physicality and creativity.
6 - 9 Year-Old Group
Freeze Dance
Freeze Dance is a fun and energetic game that combines music, movement, and quick thinking. It is a great activity for young actors to develop their sense of rhythm, body control, and ability to switch between movement and stillness.
Objective
To dance freely when the music is playing and freeze immediately when the music stops.
Setup
. Suitable for any number of participants.
. All participants spread out in the designated area.
. The facilitator or a designated DJ starts playing music.
Space
A spacious area where everyone can move freely.
Equipment
A music player with upbeat and varied music.
How to Play
Dancing
. Participants dance and move around the space while the music is playing.
. Encourage them to be creative and expressive in their movements.
Freezing
. At random intervals, the facilitator stops the music.
. When the music stops, all participants must freeze immediately and hold their positions.
. Anyone who moves while the music is stopped is gently reminded to stay still or is out for that round.
Restarting the Music
. The facilitator resumes the music after a few seconds, and participants start dancing again.
. The process repeats, with the facilitator stopping the music at different intervals.
Ending the Game
. The game can continue for several rounds, depending on the energy and engagement of the participants.
. For an added challenge, the facilitator can vary the speed and style of music or add themes for each round (e.g., dance like animals, robots, etc.).
Example Round
. Music starts playing, and participants dance energetically.
. The facilitator stops the music, and everyone freezes in place.
. After a few seconds, the music resumes, and participants continue dancing.
Benefits
. Physical Activity
Encourages exercise and helps improve coordination and motor skills.
. Focus and Control
Teaches children to listen carefully and control their movements.
Creativity
. Allows for creative expression through different dance styles and movements.
Fun and Engagement
. Provides a high-energy, enjoyable activity that keeps participants engaged and entertained.
Freeze Dance is a versatile game that can be adapted for different age groups and settings, making it a perfect choice for acting classes, parties, or playtime.
Character Walks
Character Walks is a fun and effective acting exercise that helps actors embody and explore different characters through physicality and movement. This exercise allows performers to develop a deeper understanding of how a character moves and interacts with their environment, enhancing their overall portrayal.
Objective
To help actors explore and embody different characters through their unique physical movements and gait.
Setup
. Suitable for any number of participants.
. All participants spread out in the designated area.
. The facilitator or a designated DJ starts playing music.
Space
. Ensure there is enough room for participants to move around freely.
Choose or Create Characters
Instructor provides a list of diverse characters to the participants.
. Characters may range from animals to historical figures to fictional personas.
Examples
A regal queen, a clumsy clown, a sneaky cat, a tired old man.
Warm-Up
. Begin with a brief physical warm-up to loosen up the body. This can include stretching and simple movement exercises.
How to Play
Introduction
. Each participant selects or is assigned a character.
. Participants start by walking around the space as their chosen character. Encourage them to think about how their character would move based on their physical traits, emotions, and status.
. Consider factors such as posture, gait, pace, and gestures. For example, a proud character might walk with a straight back and confident stride, while a shy character might have a hunched posture and timid steps.
Guided Exploration
. Ask participants to focus on how their character's physicality affects their interactions with the environment and other characters.
. Introduce different scenarios or obstacles that the characters must navigate (e.g., a narrow path, a heavy object). Observe how their character's walk adapts to these situations.
Group Sharing
. After a few minutes of exploration, have participants come together and share their experiences.
. Encourage them to describe how their character’s walk felt and how it influenced their portrayal of the character.
. Discuss what physical choices were made and why.
Feedback and Reflection
. Provide constructive feedback on each participant’s character walk, highlighting how their physical choices enhanced their character portrayal.
. Reflect on how these physical choices can be applied to their overall performance.
Benefits
. Enhanced Characterization
Helps actors develop a deeper understanding of their characters through physical expression.
. Physical Awareness
Encourages awareness of how body movement can convey emotions and traits.
. Creativity
Stimulates creative thinking and problem-solving as actors explore different ways to embody their characters.
. Confidence
Builds confidence in using physicality as a tool for performance.
Character Walks is a versatile exercise that can be adapted for various age groups and skill levels, making it a valuable tool in any actor’s training regimen.
Improvisation
Improvisation, often referred to as "improv," is a key aspect of acting that involves creating scenes, dialogue, and characters spontaneously without a script.
It helps actors develop quick thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Here are a few improv exercises designed for young actors, ages 6-12, to help them get comfortable with improvisation and have fun in the process.
"Yes, And..." Improvement Game
The "Yes, And..." game is a fundamental exercise in improvisational theater, designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and quick thinking. It helps actors learn to accept and build on their scene partners' ideas, creating a more dynamic and engaging performance.
Objective
To develop the ability to accept and expand upon others' ideas, enhancing collaborative storytelling and quick thinking skills.
Setup
Ideal for pairs but can be adapted for small groups.
Space
A comfortable area where participants can stand or sit in pairs or small groups.
Equipment
Chairs.
How to Play
Introduction
Explain the importance of saying "Yes, And..." in improv. It means accepting your partner's idea and adding something to it, rather than blocking or negating it.
Pair Up
Divide the participants into pairs. If there’s an odd number of participants, one group can have three people.
Start with a Simple Statement
. One person begins with a simple statement to set the scene (e.g., "I just found a treasure map!").
. The partner responds with "Yes, and..." followed by adding to the story (e.g., "Yes, and it leads to a hidden pirate cave!").
Continue the Scene
. The pairs continue building the scene, always starting their sentences with "Yes, and..." to keep the story moving forward.
. Encourage them to be creative and build on each other’s ideas without blocking.
Rotate Partners
After a few minutes, rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to work with different people and practice their skills.
Group Sharing
. After a few rounds, come together as a group and let some pairs share their improvised scenes.
. Discuss what worked well and how saying "Yes, And..." helped the story develop.
Variations
. Theme-Based "Yes, And..."
. Assign a specific theme or setting (e.g., space adventure, school play) to guide the improvisations and add a layer of creativity.
Emotion "Yes, And..."
. Ask participants to add an emotional element to their statements (e.g., "I’m so excited because I found a treasure map!").
. Partners should respond with the same emotional intensity (e.g., "Yes, and I’ve always dreamed of going on a treasure hunt!").
Prop "Yes, And...":
. Give each pair a prop to incorporate into their scene.
. The prop can be anything and should be used creatively within the "Yes, And..." structure.
Benefits
. Creativity
Encourages creative thinking and the ability to quickly generate ideas.
. Collaboration
Fosters teamwork and the ability to build on others' contributions.
. Adaptability
Develops flexibility in thinking and the ability to go with the flow.
. Confidence
Boosts confidence in speaking and acting spontaneously.
The "Yes, And..." game is a versatile and powerful tool for young actors, helping them develop essential improv skills while having fun and engaging with their peers.
Zip, Zap, Zop
Zip, Zap, Zop is a classic improv game that helps actors of all ages improve their focus, concentration, and ability to listen and respond quickly. It's a great warm-up activity and fosters a sense of teamwork and fun.
Objective
. To pass energy around the group quickly and accurately, maintaining focus and engagement.
Setup
. Ideally played with 6 or more participants.
Space
. Ensure there is enough room for participants to move around freely.
How to Play
Introduction
Explain the importance of saying "Yes, And..." in improv. It means accepting your partner's idea and adding something to it, rather than blocking or negating it.
Pair Up
Divide the participants into pairs. If there’s an odd number of participants, one group can have three people.
Start with a Simple Statement
. One person begins with a simple statement to set the scene (e.g., "I just found a treasure map!").
. The partner responds with "Yes, and..." followed by adding to the story (e.g., "Yes, and it leads to a hidden pirate cave!").
Continue the Scene
. The pairs continue building the scene, always starting their sentences with "Yes, and..." to keep the story moving forward.
. Encourage them to be creative and build on each other’s ideas without blocking.
Rotate Partners
After a few minutes, rotate partners so everyone gets a chance to work with different people and practice their skills.
Group Sharing
. After a few rounds, come together as a group and let some pairs share their improvised scenes.
. Discuss what worked well and how saying "Yes, And..." helped the story develop.
Variations
. Theme-Based "Yes, And..."
. Assign a specific theme or setting (e.g., space adventure, school play) to guide the improvisations and add a layer of creativity.
Emotion "Yes, And..."
. Ask participants to add an emotional element to their statements (e.g., "I’m so excited because I found a treasure map!").
. Partners should respond with the same emotional intensity (e.g., "Yes, and I’ve always dreamed of going on a treasure hunt!").
Prop "Yes, And...":
. Give each pair a prop to incorporate into their scene.
. The prop can be anything and should be used creatively within the "Yes, And..." structure.
Benefits
. Creativity
Encourages creative thinking and the ability to quickly generate ideas.
. Collaboration
Fosters teamwork and the ability to build on others' contributions.
. Adaptability
Develops flexibility in thinking and the ability to go with the flow.
. Confidence
Boosts confidence in speaking and acting spontaneously.
The "Yes, And..." game is a versatile and powerful tool for young actors, helping them develop essential improv skills while having fun and engaging with their peers.
VOICE
The voice encompasses various facets that contribute to effective and expressive vocal communication.
Understanding these facets is essential for developing strong vocal skills, especially in acting. Here are the key facets of voice:
The Echo Game
The Echo Game is a fun and interactive exercise used in kids' acting to improve listening skills, mimicry, and vocal expression.
Objective
. To enhance vocal mimicry, listening skills, and vocal expression by repeating sounds, words, or phrases exactly as they are heard.
How to Play
Leader and Followers
. Choose one child to be the leader.
. The rest of the children will be the followers or the "echo."
Choosing a Phrase
The leader selects a word, sound, or phrase. It can be something simple like "Hello," or more complex like "How are you today?"
Demonstration
The leader says the chosen word, sound, or phrase out loud. They can experiment with different pitches, tones, volumes, and emotions.
Echoing
The followers listen carefully and then repeat the word, sound, or phrase exactly as they heard it. This includes mimicking the leader's pitch, tone, volume, and emotional expression.
Variation
To make it more challenging, the leader can vary the speed or add actions while saying the phrase. The followers must replicate these variations as closely as possible.
Rotation
After a few rounds, switch the leader so that each child gets a chance to lead and create the sounds or phrases.
Example
. The leader says “Hello” in a high-pitched voice, and the followers repeat it in the same high-pitched voice.
. The leader says “Good morning” in a slow, exaggerated manner, and the followers echo it in the same way.
. The leader claps a rhythm and says “How are you?” cheerfully, and the followers replicate the clapping and the cheerful tone.
Benefits
. Listening Skill
Kids learn to listen attentively and pick up on subtle vocal nuances.
. Vocal Mimicry
They practice copying different pitches, tones, and volumes, enhancing their vocal flexibility.
. Expression
By mimicking various emotions and expressions, kids become more expressive and confident in their vocal abilities.
. Memory and Focus
The game requires concentration and short-term memory to recall and replicate what they heard.
. Fun and Engagement
It’s an enjoyable activity that keeps kids engaged while practicing important vocal skills.
The Echo Game is a versatile exercise that can be adapted to suit different levels of difficulty and various aspects of vocal training, making it an excellent tool for young actors.
Choral Speaking
Choral Speaking is a dynamic and collaborative vocal exercise used in kids' acting to improve group coordination, rhythm, timing, and expressive speaking.
Objective
.To practice speaking in unison, enhance vocal expression, improve rhythm and timing, and foster a sense of teamwork among young actors.
Setup
. Ideally played with 6 or more participants.
Space
. Ensure there is enough room for participants to move around freely.
. Select a Text
Choose a poem, passage, or short script suitable for the age group and skill level of the children. It can be a nursery rhyme, a famous poem, or a scene from a play.
Group Formation
. Organize the kids into a group or multiple smaller groups, depending on the size of the class.
. Initial Reading
Read the chosen text aloud as a group to familiarize everyone with the words and flow. The leader (teacher or facilitator) should model clear and expressive speaking.
. Divide the Text
Break the text into smaller sections or lines. Assign different sections to different groups or individuals within the group. For instance, Group A could say the first line, Group B the second, and so on.
. Practice Unison
Have the entire group practice saying the text together in unison. Focus on starting and stopping at the same time, maintaining a steady pace, and pronouncing words clearly.
. Add Expression and Variation
Introduce variations in tone, pitch, volume, and pace. For example, some lines can be whispered, others shouted, or said in a sad or joyful tone. Encourage expressive gestures and body movements that complement the spoken words.
. Choreograph Movements (Optional)
Incorporate simple movements or actions that align with the text. This helps in enhancing the performance and making it more engaging.
. Performance
Once the group is comfortable with the text and the variations, perform the piece. Each child or group of children should know their part and how it fits into the whole.
. Feedback and Refinement
After the performance, provide constructive feedback. . Discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Practice again with adjustments based on the feedback.
Examples
. Poem
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" with different groups emphasizing different lines and adding actions like pointing to the sky or mimicking stars twinkling.
. Short Script
A scene from a fairy tale where different groups or individuals take turns narrating and acting out parts of the story, maintaining a collective rhythm and expression.
Benefits
. Teamwork
Kids learn to work together and listen to each other, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.
. Vocal Control
Practicing variations in pitch, tone, and volume helps kids develop better vocal control and flexibility.
. Rhythm and Timing
Speaking in unison requires precise timing, improving kids' sense of rhythm and coordination.
. Expressive Skills
The focus on expressive speaking enhances kids’ ability to convey emotions and character through their voices.
. Confidence
Performing as part of a group can boost individual confidence, as the collective effort supports each child.
. Engagement and Fun
The collaborative and performative nature of choral speaking makes it an enjoyable and engaging activity.
Choral Speaking is an effective and enjoyable way to develop various vocal and performance skills in young actors, making it a valuable exercise in any acting class for kids.
