I have found what works really well in my Theatre 1 class (mostly freshmen) to introduce them to body movement/awareness and helps to break them out of their shell is doing a session on Greek chorus movement. I know most theatre teachers save Greek theatre for upper level classes but I really believe the chorus movement is a great way to get started with movement for less experienced performers before breaking into more complicated dance choreo. I like to use the play Iphigenia in Aulis. It's the story of the Greeks going to Troy, before the actual Trojan war begins. I like this one because most of the students already have some context around the Trojan war so this play is a bit easier for them to understand/connect with, but obviously any Greek play would work.
I alternate class time between reading/discussing the play and doing movement activities to get them comfortable with exploring movement. Once we are done reading the play I put the students in groups of 6-8 and assign them each a small section of the Chorus lines. They then have to create this mini scene for performance for the class. The memorize and recite the lines as a group and must create movement that tells the story and enhances the lines. It's a great activity and the students love it. Here are a couple examples I show my class so they get the idea of how I want them to perform their scenes.
https://youtu.be/rQymh4Lq9bA?si=_XlBAV2oM3RDkZsq
https://youtu.be/bP7_XERqv-Y?si=pVHcpENfcpN02BS_
Now I also do smaller movement activities to prepare my students for the Greek chorus assignment before hand. Pantomime scenes work really well, and there are a ton out there. I love this one done with a balloon https://youtu.be/G5upMIJdOc8?si=0i38Tr6fIwecme4V
Slow Motion Scene is another good one. In groups of 3-5, students create a 30-45 second silent scene with a given scenario (like astronauts discovering alien life, or, trying to make a pizza but end up starting a fire). The focus here is on exaggeration of the face and body. I have students work in the mirrors a lot during rehearsal (we have a wall of them in our classroom) so they can see just how big, or small, they are really performing and if they need to make changes to get the story across.
Another favorite is Machine. One student starts by doing any movement they wish with a corresponding random repeating sound, like ding, boink, etc. Anything but actual words is acceptable. One by one the other students join in creating their own movement and sound that complements/works with what is already being done by the previous students. The goal is to create a "machine" with working/moving parts and various machine noises. They should look like a machine with different levels and a bit clumped. Beginners like to just form a line so you need to discourage that and force them to think outside the box and create something new and different that could look like a real machine.
I have found that beginning movement basics, especially with shy or reserved students, works best when you begin with group activities so the shy ones can just blend in. Eventually, with more exposure and practice they become more confident and are more willing to do things in groups of 2-3 or solo. I also remind my students that we are all here to have fun and be silly together so it's ok to feel a little goofy doing an activity. That's the point. Let loose and have fun!
Again, these are just some of the beginning movement activities we do before moving on to the harder stuff. Best of luck!
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Jillian Lietzau
Lutheran High School
CO
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-22-2025 13:57
From: Maria Kristine Roxas-Miller
Subject: Movement and Choreography for HS
Hello, Everyone. I am teaching at a new school here in Alameda, and on my 2nd year with them I would like to include Movement and Choreography for HS. Last year, I have noticed that most of them are either shy or feels awkward about how they move onstage. Sure, some can dance or dance well but I really feel that introducing movement for theater will help them with space exploration and using their body for storytelling; and not just choreography. Any activities that you can suggest I do? I am not a dancer but I learned Movement and basic ballet in the uni. So anything that my limited dance/choreo experience will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
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Maria Kristine Roxas-Miller
St. Joseph Notre Dame
CA
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