A Perfectly Structured Drama Lesson

A strong drama lesson follows a clear structure. This structure helps students gradually get comfortable with the drama technique you’re using, and it helps them build the skills they’ll need for the main task. Below you can read more about the lesson structure DramaMinds uses.

Parts of a Drama Lesson

A drama lesson includes these parts: introduction, whole-class warm-up, small-group warm-up, main activity, and closing. In these parts, usually one drama technique is central.

If you ask students to create a pantomime scene in the main activity, it’s important that they’ve already practiced pantomime in the earlier parts of the lesson. (You can find an overview of different drama techniques here.)

1. Introduction

In the introduction, you briefly discuss the technique that will be central in the lesson. Of course, you can explain it through play.

For pantomime, for example, you can demonstrate what it means to act out an action without words or props. Ask students if they can act out an action too—this immediately invites active participation.

You can also introduce the theme of the lesson through a short class discussion or by reading a related picture book. Keep the introduction as short as possible. Especially when students already know the technique, you can skip a long introduction.

2. Whole-Class Warm-Up

During the whole-class warm-up, students get introduced to—and practice—the technique that will be central in the lesson. With some techniques, like movement-based drama or acting with text, it’s important to warm up the body and voice to prevent injuries.

Make sure the warm-up connects to the technique that will return in the main activity. If you’re working with tableaux, for example, a warm-up with frozen images—like “Stop the Dance”—fits well.

The warm-up and main activity should also connect in content as much as possible. If the main task is about a sleepover, let that theme show up throughout the lesson.

3. Small-Group Warm-Up

A complete warm-up includes both a whole-class warm-up and a small-group warm-up. In the whole-class warm-up, students can get comfortable with the technique in a safe way. In the next phase, they try the technique out in pairs or small groups.

4. Main Activity

In the main activity, students apply and deepen the skills they practiced in the warm-up. This can happen through a whole-class assignment or through a creation task in small groups that leads to a presentation moment.

5. Closing

The lesson ends with a closing. This can be a short reflection or a relaxing game. Make sure the closing doesn’t take too much time, so the (positive) energy built up during the lesson stays intact.