Theatre Education: A Resource of Practical and Project-Based Warm-ups/Theatre Games for K-12

Mirrors

Where we learned it: Acting class at GAC
Grade: 4th grade and up
Materials: None

Process:

1. Have the group get in pairs, one being A and one being B.  A’s will begin moving their bodies slowly and easily at first, and B’s will stand across from them and mirror everything they do.  This is not a competition; both people should do their best to make it so an outsider wouldn’t be able to tell who was leading. 
2. Then switch and have the B’s lead. 
3. Once both people have led for a while, have the pairs give and take – both people can lead or follow.  Remind them that eye contact is important.

Variations:

1. For more advanced work, the pairs can be spread throughout the room and then asked to find different partners.  The pairs can form a line and then hold hands with those next to them so that they are working with the partner across from them but also affected by those around them.  (The mirrors sequence in Boal’s Games for Actors and Non-Actors is a great exercise if you have the time.)