Creative Drama provides non-specialists with an accessible introduction to using improvisation and mime as part of the arts curriculum.

Drama can be one of the most anxiety-producing, and at the same time rewarding, aspects of the creative arts. A feeling of anxiety about drama is often induced by a sense that it might lead to an out of control classroom; but on the whole, when boundaries are clear, structures set in place, and the teacher has plenty of ideas, it can lead to wonderful work which has positive spin-offs for learning and teaching in other areas of the English curriculum.

Drama permeates our everyday lives. It is integral to children’s play, and it is evident in the oratory, rituals, ceremony and celebrations of many traditional and contemporary world cultures.

This is a book of ideas. It is up to the teacher to help the student develop them. They are not in any particular order for appropriate age, gender or culture as every student is different in his or her approach to any given situation.

Try doing a topic first as a mime, then adding dialogue—and then vice versa. The possibilities are endless. All you need are the ideas. I would like to reiterate that total concentration is of the utmost importance in improvisation and mime, both on the part of the teacher and student(s).

From the very first time a student creates an improvisation or mime, the cooperation of other students must be encouraged. Too much laughing and interruptions cause a breakdown in concentration, and whereas we all want our students to enjoy their work, they will achieve better results if they are left alone to work the performance through. THEN the teacher and other students can point out weaknesses and applaud strengths. All actors must be given space and silence in which to do their best.

The confidence and enjoyment students derive from such activities are immeasurable. They stimulate imagination, create dialogue and make students aware of conflict and resolution.

Download the Table of Contents page here.

Grades 5 and up.