Lines in a Pocket-Bucket Improv Activity

This classic improv game is also known as ‘Bucket.’ It’s a fantastic activity for older or advanced students and can help young actors be flexible and present in the moment. Included are complete instructions for play, 28 scene suggestions and over 60 random lines that students must work into their scenes. The scene suggestions and lines are set up on the pages so that they are easy to print out, cut apart, put in a hat and play right away.

Lines in a Pocket, or ‘Bucket,’ is a classic improv game and many instructors may have played this before. On Drama Notebook, however, the actual scene suggestions and lines are included. This is one of the things that sets Drama Notebook apart from other drama resources. Typically, there is a short description of how to play a game, but important details, such as the actual suggestions or prompts are missing, leaving the instructor to either make his/her own list, or to brainstorm in the moment. On Drama Notebook, the prompts are provided for you, leaving you free to focus on paying attention to the progress of individuals or the group.

Sample scene suggestions:

• Blind date
• Strangers at a bus stop

Sample random lines:

• This time yesterday, I was stuck in a well.
• What’s that you’re standing on?
• Have you noticed that the room is filling with mist?