Speed Run and Pick a Line

Preparation
Choose Key Scenes: Select scenes that need more intensity, emotional energy, or stronger character work. You can choose to run the entire script if you feel it is needed.
Set Expectations: Encourage actors to prioritise clarity and commitment to character as they perform as fast and as energetically as possible. Remind them that this is about finding balance between speed, energy, and articulation.

Speed and Energy Run Instructions:
1. Build Energy: Start with vocal and physical warm-ups that elevate energy.
2. Push the Pace: Actors perform the scene at double speed, focusing on delivering lines with clear articulation and expression.
3. Exaggerate Gestures and Characterisation: Encourage actors to use big, bold gestures and enhance their characterisations, creating high-energy interactions that keep the scene alive.
4. Maintain Line Clarity: Remind actors to enunciate and ensure lines are understood, even at a fast pace.
5. Debrief: After each run, discuss what worked and what challenges arose. Reflect on how speed and energy affected line recall, character interactions, and scene flow.

Pick A Line Instructions:
Briefly explain the exercise to the cast: Let them know that the goal is to quickly get into position and resume the scene from the line the teacher/director calls out.
This will test their knowledge of their blocking, the journey of the scene, and their understanding of how each moment fits into the larger picture.

1. Preparation: Make sure everyone knows their lines and blocking. Reiterate the importance of staying in sync with the scene and each other during this exercise.
2. Calling the Line: The teacher/director calls out a random line from the script. The actors must immediately respond by getting into the correct position for that moment in the scene, staying in character and ready to continue from where the line left off.
3. Acting Out the Scene: Once positioned, the actors should immediately begin the scene from the called line, maintaining the energy and focus of the scene. If the scene involves other characters or set pieces, they must ensure they are using the space correctly.
4. Repeat: The teacher/director continues calling random lines and the actors reset to those positions quickly. The exercise can be repeated several times to test memorisation and adaptability.
5. Feedback & Adjustments: After running through the scene from various starting points, the teacher/director provides feedback on the actors’ timing, blocking, and the overall flow. Focus on areas where the actors struggled to get into position or missed their marks.