Stage Game

Child development / Drama games / Stage game

This high-energy drama game introduces children to the language of the stage.

Through movement, imagination and playful drama, Stage Game helps children build confidence, spatial awareness and a clear understanding of stage directions in an engaging way.

How to play

1. Set the stage

Invite the children to stand together in the centre of the room.

Explain that they are all actors standing on a stage, ready to perform.

2. Learn stage directions

Explain Stage Right as the actor's right when they are facing the audience.

Ask everyone to move to Stage Right together.

Next, introduce Stage Left, Up Stage, and Down Stage, demonstrating each direction clearly and giving the group time to move there.

3. Add dramatic movement

Explain that actors must move with energy and expression.

Call out a direction, such as "Stage Left", and ask the children to run there like dramatic actors.

4. Mix it up

Try these directions:

Directors Coming: in unison, they say "To be or not to be" in deep voices.
Red Carpet: strike a glamorous, award-worthy actor pose.
Primadonna: have a playful tantrum.
Paparazzi: put on shades, go outside, and say "No photos, no comment."

Play high-energy music and mix up the commands to maintain excitement!

What it teaches

Spatial awareness
Direction
Confidence
Creative expression

Variations to try

Swap "Director's Coming" for "Audience Applause" - they pause and take a bow.
Try "Freeze Frame" - when the music stops, the children hold their pose.

Principal's notes

Stage Game is fantastic for teaching children stage directions in a fun, memorable way. The dramatic commands keep the energy high and the silliness really engages them. It's a wonderful mix of learning theatre language and encouraging confidence. I've used this many times and children always end up laughing while absorbing the terminology and remembering it.

Lucy Quick, Principal of Perform.