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Acting in the Moment

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Kendra Ayrey

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Mindful Acting Moments

Students will learn to integrate mindfulness techniques into acting by practicing present-moment awareness, regulating emotions, and reflecting on their mind-body connection to enhance focus and authentic expression.

Mindful acting enhances students’ concentration, emotional intelligence, and stage presence. It equips them with tools for stress management, empathy, and clear communication, benefiting both performance and daily interactions.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided mindfulness exercises paired with scripted acting and reflection.

Materials

  • Yoga Mats or Open Space, * Timer or Stopwatch, * Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet, * Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise, and * Emotion Vocabulary List

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet, Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise, and Emotion Vocabulary List.
  • Arrange classroom space with enough room for movement or yoga mats.
  • Set up timer or stopwatch.
  • Review all materials and instructions to ensure smooth transitions.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Briefly explain mindfulness and its benefits for acting and daily life.
  • Ask students to share a quick example of when they felt fully ‘in the moment.’
  • Highlight lesson goals: present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and empathetic expression.

Step 2

Mindfulness Warm-Up

7 minutes

  • Lead a 1-minute centering breath: inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts.
  • Guide a slow body scan from head to toes, noticing tension and releasing it.
  • Encourage students to observe thoughts without judgment, returning focus to their breath.

Step 3

Emotion Exploration Exercise

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Emotion Vocabulary List.
  • Ask students to silently choose one emotion word and recall a personal memory tied to it.
  • In pairs, take turns describing that memory using only nonverbal cues (tone, posture, pace).
  • Partners guess the emotion and reflect on how mindful attention shaped the expression.

Step 4

Scripted Mindful Acting

7 minutes

  • Hand out Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise.
  • In new pairs, assign roles; each student practices delivering lines embodying their chosen emotion mindfully.
  • Remind them to notice breath, posture, vocal tone, and pacing.
  • Use the timer: 2 minutes per student, then switch roles.

Step 5

Reflection & Discussion

3 minutes

  • Distribute the Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet.
  • Students write briefly on what they noticed about their mind-body connection, challenges faced, and successes.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight with the class.
  • Close by encouraging use of mindfulness in daily interactions to boost focus and empathy.
lenny

Lesson Plan

Acting in the Moment Lesson Plan

Students will practice present-moment awareness by integrating mindfulness techniques into their acting, focusing on breath, posture, and emotional authenticity to manage performance anxiety and deepen character connection.

Mindful acting equips students with tools for focus, emotional regulation, and empathy, reducing stage fright while enhancing authenticity and collaboration—benefiting both drama skills and overall well-being.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Guided mindfulness paired with scripted acting and reflection.

Materials

  • Yoga Mats or Open Space, * Timer or Stopwatch, * Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet, * Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise, and * Emotion Vocabulary List

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print copies of Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet, Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise, and Emotion Vocabulary List.
  • Arrange classroom space with enough room for movement or yoga mats.
  • Set up timer or stopwatch.
  • Review all materials and instructions to ensure smooth transitions.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Briefly explain mindfulness and its benefits for acting and daily life.
  • Ask students to share a quick example of when they felt fully ‘in the moment.’
  • Highlight lesson goals: present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and empathetic expression.

Step 2

Mindfulness Warm-Up

7 minutes

  • Lead a 1-minute centering breath: inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts.
  • Guide a slow body scan from head to toes, noticing tension and releasing it.
  • Encourage students to observe thoughts without judgment and gently return focus to their breath.

Step 3

Emotion Exploration Exercise

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Emotion Vocabulary List.
  • Ask students to silently choose one emotion word and recall a personal memory tied to it.
  • In pairs, take turns describing that memory using only nonverbal cues (tone, posture, pace).
  • Partners guess the emotion and reflect on how mindful attention shaped the expression.

Step 4

Scripted Mindful Acting

7 minutes

  • Hand out Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise.
  • In new pairs, assign roles; each student practices delivering lines embodying their chosen emotion mindfully.
  • Remind them to notice breath, posture, vocal tone, and pacing.
  • Use the timer: 2 minutes per student, then switch roles.

Step 5

Reflection & Discussion

3 minutes

  • Distribute the Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet.
  • Students write briefly on what they noticed about their mind-body connection, challenges faced, and successes.
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share one insight with the class.
  • Close by encouraging use of mindfulness in daily interactions to boost focus and empathy.
lenny

Slide Deck

Acting in the Moment

Bringing mindfulness into your acting practice
• Audience: 7th Grade • Duration: 30 minutes • Tier: Classroom (MTSS Tier 1)

Welcome students to our session on mindful acting. Introduce yourself and explain that today they’ll learn techniques to stay present and authentic on stage.

Mindful Acting: What & Why?

• Mindfulness = present-moment awareness without judgment
• Helps manage performance anxiety
• Deepens emotional connection to characters
• Improves focus, empathy, and collaboration

Define mindfulness and relate it to acting. Emphasize being fully present—listening, sensing, and reacting in the moment.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of today, you will: 1. Practice present-moment awareness in your performance 2. Regulate emotions through breath and body cues 3. Express characters authentically and empathetically

Walk through the objectives. Encourage students to refer back to these goals during activities.

Mindfulness Warm-Up (7 min)

  1. Centering Breath: Inhale 4 counts, exhale 4 counts (×3)
  2. Body Scan: Slowly notice and release tension from head to toes
  3. Observation: Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment

Lead the group through each step slowly. Model the centering breath and body scan.

Emotion Exploration Exercise (8 min)

  1. Distribute the Emotion Vocabulary List.
  2. Choose one emotion and recall a personal memory.
  3. In pairs, use posture, tone, and pace (no words).
  4. Partner guesses the emotion and discusses mindful cues.

Explain that they will use nonverbal cues to convey emotion. Monitor pairs and prompt deeper observation.

Emotion Vocabulary List

Refer to the list you’ve been given. Examples:
• Joy • Fear • Surprise • Anger • Sadness • Anticipation • Calm • Frustration
(See full list on your sheet.)

Display or hand out the full vocabulary list. Encourage creative, honest choices.

Scripted Mindful Acting (7 min)

  1. Hand out Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise.
  2. In new pairs, assign roles.
  3. Practice lines mindfully: notice breath, posture, tone, pace.
  4. 2 minutes each, then switch roles.

Distribute scripts and assign pairs. Observe and give feedback on breath, posture, and tone.

Reflection & Discussion (3 min)

  1. Distribute the Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet.
  2. Write briefly: mind-body connection observations, challenges, successes.
  3. Invite 2–3 students to share one insight.
  4. Highlight key takeaways.

Have students complete the reflection sheet quietly, then invite volunteers to share. Wrap up with positive reinforcement.

Take It Further

• Use centering breaths before auditions or performances
• Pause and scan your body when anxious
• Practice mindful observation in daily interactions
• Carry this presence into every role you play

Encourage students to apply these mindfulness tools in rehearsals, performances, and everyday life.

lenny

Worksheet

Mindful Acting Reflection Sheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ________________

  1. Describe something you noticed about your breath and body during the mindfulness warm-up.






  1. What was challenging about staying present while exploring emotions?






  1. How did focusing on breath, posture, or vocal tone affect your expression of the script excerpts?






  1. Choose one insight or success from today’s session and explain why it stood out to you.






  1. How might you use mindfulness in future acting exercises or performances?






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lenny

Worksheet

Script Excerpts for Emotion Exercise

Use these short dialogues to practice mindful acting. In pairs, choose one excerpt and take turns playing each role. As you speak, pay attention to your breath, posture, vocal tone, and pacing.

Excerpt A: Apology

Alex: Hey, Jordan, I need to talk to you. I... I never meant to break your camera. I’m really sorry.

Jordan: I was upset when it happened, but I can see you’re sincere. Let’s figure out how to fix it together.

Excerpt B: Excitement

Taylor: You got the lead part in the play? That’s amazing!

Morgan: I can’t believe it’s real—I’ve been dreaming about this moment all year!

Excerpt C: Surprise

Riley: Guess what I found in the attic? Our old trophy from last year’s championships!

Casey: No way! We totally forgot about that. This brings back so many memories.

Excerpt D: Sad Farewell

Sam: I’m moving away next week. I don’t know when I’ll be back.

Jamie: I’ll miss you so much. Promise we’ll call and write every week?

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lenny

Reading

Emotion Vocabulary List

Use this list to choose one emotion for today’s exercise. Select a word that resonates with you and recall a personal memory tied to it.

Positive Emotions

  • Joy
  • Excitement
  • Pride
  • Calm
  • Love
  • Relief
  • Gratitude

Challenging Emotions

  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Sadness
  • Frustration
  • Disappointment
  • Anxiety

Other Emotions

  • Surprise
  • Anticipation
  • Nostalgia
  • Confusion
  • Hope
lenny
lenny