40 Classic Drama Games

Are you new to teaching drama and want to quickly learn the classics? Or have you been teaching for years and want to test your knowledge? Here are 40 of the most well-known drama games for you to play with your students. They are organized according to goals such as: building ensemble, warm-ups, focusing, imagination and creativity, movement, and characterization.

The entire list may also be found free on Drama Notebook at Drama Games for Kids.

Many of the games also include specialized or add-on tips and instructions!

Here is an example of a classic drama game:

Zip Zap Zop

This is one of the most famous theater warm-up games.

Stand in a circle. Have kids practice saying “Zip, Zap, Zop.” One person starts by clapping and pointing to someone as she says, “zip.” The person she pointed to claps, and points to someone else saying “zap.” The person she pointed to then claps, and points to someone saying “zop.”

Then it starts all over again with the next player clapping and pointing to someone saying “zip!” The game continues until someone gets out.

If a player says a word out of order, he’s out. If a player hesitates too long, she’s out. When players is out, they can stay in the game, but turn into “land mines” by crossing their arms over their chest. If a player still in the game points to one of the “mines,” he is out too.