Drama Games for Young Actors

Since I have been a Drama teacher I have occasionally struggled with the purpose and relevance of drama games. What defines a drama game and what are they for? I would identify a drama game as an activity which brings together an ensemble or allows an actor to explore their own role or skills. I used to think it was simply to engage students with the group around them but these games are so much more. 

Stanislvski categorised warm up games into three distinct categories; energisers, relaxation and concentration. We can see the value in using a series of games which cover each of these categories pre show and even pre rehearsal. But do they always fulfil the desired intention? Too many times I have tried to focus a cast with a set of concentration games and not gained the level of focus that I would like from the performers. It is therefore vital to explore different actives with young actors to find out which ones work best for them. This guide acts shares some of my favourite games to use with a cast during both early rehearsals and prior to performances.