Activities, Games, and Endings

3 min read

Activities, Games, and Endings

A toolkit of rehearsal activities, ensemble-building games, and ways to close a rehearsal well.

Activities

The following activities take considerable time. They would only be done once per rehearsal process. Character portraits, while rich and worthwhile, will likely take up an entire rehearsal (possibly more) to get through.

Character Portraits

In this activity, each performer will create and present a 2-3 minute solo scene that illuminates a crucial turning point in their character’s life. These intimate portraits combine movement, music, and meaningful silence to reveal deeper layers of character development beyond what’s seen in the show..

Encore Young Artist Mentorship Program

Purpose: The Encore Mentorship Program pairs experienced young artists with new company members to foster a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity can flourish. This structured relationship helps preserve company culture, reduces anxiety for newcomers, and develops leadership skills in veteran performers.

Games

Level 1 Games

ENERGY CIRCLE GAMES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWPiYksnKLI

Energy circle games serve as foundational theater exercises where participants pass various forms of energy - vocal sounds, claps, gestures, or eye contact - around a circle. Standing in this circular formation creates equality among players while developing crucial performance skills: group focus, active listening, physical awareness, and ensemble timing. These games naturally progress from simple exchanges to complex variations, allowing groups to build concentration and connection while maintaining a shared group rhythm. The following are essentially variations on this idea.

Level 2 Games

Level 3 Games

Ending Rehearsals

Here are some effective closing circle activities for ending a rehearsal. It’s a good way to but a “button” on the night and allows the young artist to regroup and set the tone for the future. These should be kept brief and energized.

One Word Share (2-3 minutes):

  • One word describing today’s rehearsal

  • One word your character would use right now

  • One word about what surprised you today

  • One word about what you’re excited to work on next time

Three Word Share(Variation)

Rose and Thorn (5 minutes):

  • Share your “rose” (highlight) and “thorn” (challenge) from the past week of rehearsals

  • Keep responses brief but meaningful

Physical Check-in (3 minutes):

  • Create a gesture that represents how you’re leaving rehearsal

  • Everyone mirrors each gesture after it’s shared

Tomorrow Preview (2 minutes):

  • Complete the sentence: “Tomorrow I want to try…”

  • Helps set personal goals and intentions

Gratitude Circle (3-4 minutes):

  • Thank someone in the circle for something specific they did today

  • Creates positive reinforcement and acknowledgment

Energy Scale (2 minutes):

  • Show with your body level (standing tall to crouching down) your energy of how your are leaving rehearsal today

  • Quick visual check-in for director and cast

Question of the Day (3-4 minutes):

  • End with a specific question about the show

  • “What moment in the show speaks to you most right now?”

  • “What question does your character still need answered?”

  • The answers can be shared aloud, or written in their journal.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11 · Owner: Rhett

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