46

Scene
STARTERS

For PRIMARY
SCHOOL
 Mrs. B’s
DRAMA TRUNK

SCENE STARTERS

DRAMA for Primary School

Practice Lines Together
Students work in pairs to create short scenes, based on the scene starter.

Students should first sit with their partners and rehearse lines as a whole class. The teacher begins by
allocating each person as either “A” or “B” in their pair. The teacher then demonstrates the first line
(demonstrating strong delivery of the line and a simple gesture) and, all together on cue, asks the “A’s” to
repeat the line. Repeat a few times until you are happy with the delivery.

The “B” line is then demonstrated and the “B’s” practice their line together with the class. If you are using a 4
line scene starter, repeat again with the second “A” and “B” lines.

Note: practicing the lines together as a class first will bring more energy to the lines and enables you to get
stronger delivery lines and stronger scenes.

Once the teacher is happy with all the lines, practice putting them together a few times. If the students need
to be “louder” “do larger gestures” or “put more energy into their lines” rehearse them a couple of times
before beginning.

Once students have rehearsed the opening lines together, ask for some suggestions as to what the scene could
be about, what has happened so far and what could happen next. Add in some more ideas or expand on
student suggestions if necessary. As students become more familiar with creating short scenes, they will offer
more suggestions.

Rehearse & Perform

Instruct students that they will now work with their partners to create a short scene. The scene will start with
the lines that they have practiced. Students should decide what their scene will be about and then aim to add
in at least 1 more line each. Set a cap for the maximum amount of lines (so scenes don’t go on forever) and ask
students to try to bring the scene to an end. Instruct students that their performances will start and end with a
freeze.

Provide assistance and encouragement to all groups as they are working.

Performances should start with a FREEZE and end with a FREEZE. If scenes are going on for too long, instruct
students to bring it to an end. Remind students about being a good audience member.

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 1

 DRAMA TRUNK Scene Starter:
A: I’m really scared.
2 LINE SCENE STARTERS B: You’ll be ok.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Let’s go on that ride. A: I can’t believe we’re here.
B: No way! It looks too scary! B: I’m so excited!

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Hurry up! We’re running late! A: What are you doing?
B: Just a minute. B: Looking for something...

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: It’s too hot! A: Don’t be so rude!
B: I need some water... B: I didn’t mean to be.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Can I have that one please? A: There goes our bus...
B: That one is not for sale. B: How will we get there now?

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Is that a new game? A: Are we there yet?
B: It sure is! B: Almost – stop asking!

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: I feel sick. A: That’s it, I’ve had enough.
B: This will make you feel better. B: Try one more time.

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 2

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:
A: Is that... smoke? A: Did you lock the door?
B: Quick, get out of the house! B: Oops.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Would you like to play? A: Can I borrow some money?
B: Ok – what game is it? B: What do you need it for?

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Don’t do that! A: I’m not going in there.
B: Why not? B: Come on, it will be fun.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Where have you been? A: I can’t see anything.
B: It’s a secret. B: Turn on the torch.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: I just had a great dream! A: Yuk, this is disgusting!
B: What was it about? B: Eew, what is it?

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: I can’t believe it! A: I’m telling on you.
B: What’s wrong? B: Please don’t.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: That looks delicious. A: What was that noise?
B: Would you like some? B: I don’t know but I’m scared.

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 3

 DRAMA TRUNK Scene Starter:

4 LINE SCENE
A: Stop! Don’t touch that!
B: Why not?
A: Because it will...
STARTERS B: Uh oh...

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Ouch! Something just bit me! A: What’s that up there?
B: I think its... fire ants! B: I can’t see it.
A: We’re on an ant hill. A: Look this way, silly.
B: Quick! Let’s move! B: Oh, now I see it.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Hey, that’s my jacket! A: One, two, three and ... push!
B: I just borrowed it. B: It’s no use – it’s stuck.
A: There’s a hole in it. A: Come on, let’s try again.
B: It wasn’t me. B: One more time.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: Clean your room! A: Did you feel that?
B: I like it messy. B: I think it’s a...
A: If you don’t clean it, you can’t A: EARTHQUAKE!
go outside to play. B: Quick! Drop, cover and hold!
B: Can you help me do it?
Scene Starter: Scene Starter:
A: We’ll never make it – the wind A: Why are you late?
is too strong. B: You will never guess.
B: We have to get home. A: Tell me.
A: I’m about to be blown over. B: Ok, well...
B: Hold on!

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 4

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:
A: Happy birthday! A: Turn your music down!
B: Thank you! B: I can’t hear you...
A: Well... are you going to open A: I said, turn your music down!
your present? B: Why the big frown?
B: Ok, I’ll open it now.
Scene Starter: Scene Starter:
A: Help! A: Can I have some more?
B: Where are you? B: It’s all gone.
A: I’m stuck down this hole? A: But that’s all that we have.
B: How did you get down there? B: Sorry.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: My arm hurts, I need to rest. A: We’ve been here before.
B: I’ve nearly finished. B: No we haven’t.
A: I’ve been here for hours. A: We’re lost!
B: Almost done. B: Just a bit further.

Scene Starter: Scene Starter:

A: A parcel arrived for you A: Where are you going?
today. B: To the movies.
B: Whose it from? A: Can I come?
A: I don’t know B: Sure – what do you want to
B: Where is it? see?
Scene Starter: Scene Starter:
A: What is that? A: I need help!
B: It’s a magical box. B: What’s wrong?
A: What makes it magical? A: I can’t find my pet bunny.
B: Open it and see. B: I’ll help you look.

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 5

 Mrs. B’s
DRAMA TRUNK

TERMS OF USE
Please note that this product is for personal classroom teaching or home school use by
a single purchaser only. You may not distribute, copy or modify this product other than
for your own personal, non-commercial classroom use.
© Drama Trunk. All rights reserved.

Notepad Clipart:

Drama Trunk ‘Scene Starters for Primary School’ Page 6