How to Run a Warm-up Session Before a Play

It is essential for a theater cast to "warm-up" both physically and vocally before a play. Not only will this warm-up better prepare them for the stage, but it is an important bonding exercise as well. You can run a quick and successful theater warm-up session by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Prepare the Cast

1. Gather the cast in a circle.
2. Play soothing music during warm-ups. It will help to relax the cast.
3. Instruct everyone to follow your lead, and as you are executing the movements repeat aloud what you are doing.

Physical Warm-ups

4. Warm-up the arms, legs and back. Raise your arms above your head one at a time, stretching out the side of your body. Slowly roll forward until you are bent over and your arms are hanging limp in front of you. Turn to each leg and stretch the leg while you are bent over, then slowly roll back up. Roll your wrists and ankles.
5. Stretch your head, neck, shoulders and face. Roll your head and neck in circles. Roll your shoulders. Scrunch up your face like something is very sour and then open everything wide like you are terribly surprised. This will stretch out your face.
6. Shake everything out. Put one hand into the middle of the circle and start shaking it. Let the shaking move up your arm then "throw it away" by flinging your arm backwards out of the circle. Repeat with the other arm, both legs and then your entire body.
7. Lead energy exercises. A good one is to first have everyone gather their energy as if it was an invisible ball. Encourage them to feel the energy pulsating in their hands, and then as an ensemble lean back and pitch the energy balls into the distance.

Vocal Warm-ups

8. Breathe in through your nose slowly for a five count. Hold your breath for a five count. Breathe out through your mouth slowly for a five count. Repeat several times.
9. Run diction and enunciation exercises. Loudly and with over exaggerated diction repeat the following: bah, bah, bah, bah, la la la la and da da da da. Move throughout the alphabet creating new sounds.
10. Do a few tongue twisters. Encourage the cast to really over exaggerate their diction as they repeat these over and over. Some favorites include: around the rough and rugged rock the ragged rascal ran; she sells sea shells by the sea shore; unique New York, unique New York and toy boat, toy boat, toy boat.

Tips & Warnings

• Be positive and keep your actors' energy up. Warm-ups should leave the actors energized for a great performance.
• When doing the physical warm-ups, caution your actors to not push themselves farther than their bodies will allow.

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