5 Fun Acting Warm-Ups for Kids
Every great performance starts with a good acting warm-up! Just like athletes stretch before a big game, actors need to loosen up their bodies, voices, and imaginations before stepping into character. Warm-ups not only prepare young performers for the stage but also help shake off nerves and build confidence. If you’re working with kids (or you are one!), these five acting warm-ups are guaranteed to bring big smiles and even bigger creativity to your rehearsal or class. Let’s dive in!
1. The Silly Statue Warm-Up
What it does: Loosens the body, sparks creativity, and encourages quick thinking.
How to play: Have the kids spread out in the room and strike a silly pose like a statue. You (or a leader) walk around and tap one person on the shoulder at a time. When tapped, they must “come to life” and act out what their statue was doing. For example, if they posed as a chef, they might pretend to whisk batter or taste-test soup. Keep it quick and silly!
Why it works: This warm-up encourages kids to think on their feet and step into different characters right away. Plus, the sillier they get, the more they’ll relax and have fun.
2. Tongue Twister Warm-Up
What it does: Warms up the voice, improves diction, and gets everyone laughing.
How to play: Pick a fun tongue twister and have everyone say it together, slowly at first. Gradually speed it up until it becomes hilariously difficult to say without tripping over words. Some favorites are:
- “Red leather, yellow leather.”
- “Unique New York.”
- “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
Take turns seeing who can say it the fastest without messing up. You can even have kids create their own tongue twisters for extra fun!
Why it works: Clear speech is essential for actors, and this warm-up adds a playful challenge that builds vocal confidence.
3. Pass the Emotion
What it does: Develops emotional range, facial expressions, and teamwork.
How to play: Sit in a circle. One person starts by picking an emotion (happy, scared, angry, excited, etc.) and acting it out with their face and body. They then “pass” that emotion to the next person, who must exaggerate it even more before passing it on. Keep going until everyone has had a turn, and the emotion has grown wildly over-the-top.
Why it works: This acting warm-up helps kids explore emotions in a safe, playful way while learning to express themselves with their whole body and face. It also strengthens their ability to connect with others on stage.
4. Animal Transformations
What it does: Sparks imagination, encourages physical acting, and loosens the body.
How to play: Call out the name of an animal, and have the kids transform into that animal using their bodies, voices, and movements. For example:
- A roaring lion prowling the savannah.
- A slow, sleepy turtle crawling on the floor.
- A playful monkey swinging through trees.
Encourage them to exaggerate every detail, from how the animal walks to the sounds it makes. You can even have them act out scenes as their animal character—what happens when a lion meets a penguin?
Why it works: Acting isn’t just about words; it’s about fully embodying a character. This acting warm-up helps kids explore physicality in a fun and creative way.
5. Mirror Magic Warm-Up
What it does: Builds focus, teamwork, and body awareness.
How to play: Pair the kids up and have one person act as the “leader” while the other is their “reflection.” The leader moves slowly—raising an arm, tilting their head, making a funny face—and their partner must copy them as closely as possible, as if they’re looking in a mirror. After a minute or two, have them switch roles.
Why it works: This classic theater warm-up improves observation skills and focus, while also teaching kids how to work closely with a partner. Plus, the giggles that come from funny faces and movements are always a bonus.
Why Acting Warm-Ups Matter for Young Performers
Acting Warm-ups are more than just a fun way to start class—they’re a foundation for great performances. They help kids:
- Shake off nerves and build confidence.
- Improve focus and concentration.
- Develop vocal and physical skills.
- Foster creativity and teamwork.
So, the next time your little performers hit the stage (or the living room floor!), make sure they’re warmed up and ready to shine. These exercises are quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring out their inner star. Break a leg!
