"The winner is the last person home. Once the race has begun, the actors must never stop moving and every movement should be executed as slowly as possible. Each ‘runner’ should take the largest step forward she is capable of, on every stride. When one foot is being moved in front of the other, it must pass above knee-level. In the process of moving the foot forwards, the actors must stretch their bodies right out, so that in this movement the foot will break the equilibrium, and every centimetre it moves, a new muscular structure will appear instinctively, activating certain ‘dormant’ muscles. When the foot falls, the sound should be audible. This exercise, which requires considerable equilibrium, stimulates all the muscles of the body. Another rule – both feet must never be on the ground at the same time: the moment the right foot lands, the left must rise and vice versa. Always with only one foot on the ground." (Games for Actors and Non-Actors, Augusto Boal pg. 71)
The parameters of this activity, like so many of his others, allows students to choose their level of commitment and dedication to the game. Outgoing, confident students are able to elect a more outlandish approach, while reserved students are free to hide in the crowd while still benefiting from the race.
This game was shared with me by one of my biggest mentors Mary Bogrette-Glaser. The game is played similarly to traditional twister, but the drama classroom is the twister board. The facilitator calls instructions like "put your left elbow on something white" and the students have five seconds to follow the direction. They must hold their position until they hear the 'magic word' (which we agree upon ahead of time). Students are not allowed to ask questions, but are encouraged to giggle. No one is eliminated, but usually they don't notice until the very end.
Post-Game discussion question I usually use:
What did you notice about this game?
Why weren't you allowed to ask questions?
Why do you think we played this game?
This game is a variation of a game originially taught to me by Greg Trzaskoma. I typically use this game to teach areas of the stage, so I make sure we play on the stage (if available). The rules are similar to the Simon Says: the facilitator gives a series of instructions but should only be followed if the facilitator precedes the instruction with “Mrs. Neuwirth Says”. I incorporate stage directions, acting exercises, and other elements of whimsey and nonsense (ex. "Mrs. Neuwirth Says find a clump of four", or "Mrs. Neuwirth Says choose a side: stage left Taco Bell, stage right McDonalds"). Once a player or small group of players wins, they become the next Mrs. Neuwirth. This way the same people cannot win multiple times in a row. Students who have been eliminated become the eyes of the game, paying close attention to anyone that might not have followed the rules carefully.