Ten Transformative Drama Games A Manifesto for Creativity and Connection

Introduction  1. Why Circles Matter - Featuring Game One - ‘Perfect Circle’  2. I See You - Featuring Game Two - ‘Look Up Look Down’  3. Being Here Now - Featuring Game Three - ‘Counting Circle’  4. The Campfire - Featuring Game Four - ‘Circle Stories’  5. Laughter and it’s Uses - Featuring Game Five - ‘EastEnders Zip Zap Boing’  6.The First Thing that Comes into Your Head - Featuring Game Six - ‘Busy Bee’  7. We All Have a Story - Featuring Game Seven - ‘Name Stories’  8. The Uses of Silence - Featuring Game Eight - ‘What’s in the Box?’  9. Brains - Featuring Game Nine - ‘Strategic Chair’  10. A Round of Applause - Featuring Game Ten - ‘Circle Clap’  11. Afterword: On Facilitation

Biography

Dick Johns is a writer, actor and facilitator. He studied English and Psychology at The University of Birmingham, UK, trained as an actor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and completed his PGCE in English and Drama at UCL. He was for some years a compere on the comedy circuit. As the actor Dick Bradnum he appeared in episodes of The Office and My Hero for BBC1, as well as touring and appearing many plays. He is a veteran of over 40 BBC Radio Dramas.

“A helpful teacher-guide to developing learners’ confidence through improvisation and theatre technique, encouraging social interaction and development of essential communication and life skills for school and beyond. The book combines engaging first-hand narrative with accessible and practical step-by-step guidance to running and de-briefing (enjoyable) person-centred and inclusive classroom exercises.”

Professor Connie Wiskin, PhD, MPhil, BA(hons), ILT

“It offers a thoughtful, engaging and accessible exploration of applied theatre. Each chapter combines engaging storytelling with clear methodologies and reflective debriefs, making it an invaluable resource for practitioners, educators, and students seeking to understand the profound impact of drama on personal and collective growth.”

 Sarah Jones, Artistic Director Mess Up The Mess Theatre Company

“Dick is seriously serious about games! He shares his thoughts in this easy to read, informative book which covers not just the ‘how’, but also the ‘why’ and the ‘what more?’ Often we learn games but don’t truly explore their application beyond a good ice-breaker or warm up. This book is an excellent guide […], and will help you review and reclaim the power of games.”

Juliet Forster, Director, Writer and Educator, Creative Director, York Theatre Royal, Chair of Out of Character Theatre Company, an arts and mental health charity