Introduction to Acting Improvisation Unit: Lesson Slides & Scene Work for Grades 8-12
Teaching improv for the first time and feeling totally overwhelmed? I’ve been there. When I set out to teach my first improvisation unit, all I could find were video clips of advanced performers, loose activity lists, random "improv cards" that were all the same, and zero guidance on how to actually teach students the fundamentals in a structured, accessible way. My students needed something slower, safer, and more supportive—and so did I.
This ready-to-use improv unit is packed with fun, structured activities that build confidence, creativity, and collaboration—without the stress of memorizing lines! NOTE: This unit is designed specifically for grades 8-12 and while the setup is the same as the grades 4-6 version, characters, scenarios, settings, and complications are more elevated for this grade level.
Perfect for beginners and young performers, this resource includes a complete introduction to the basics of improv, plus a collection of age-appropriate scene starters designed to spark imagination and keep students moving, laughing, and learning.
This flexible 10-day Introduction to Improvisation Unit includes:
✅ Low-risk activities to build trust and confidence
✅ Scaffolded scene work that grows with your students
✅ Clear daily plans that you can follow with ease
✅ Tons of fun, zero pressure
Teaching improv for the first time and feeling totally overwhelmed? I’ve been there. When I set out to teach my first improvisation unit, all I could find were video clips of advanced performers, loose activity lists, random "improv cards" that were all the same, and zero guidance on how to actually teach students the fundamentals in a structured, accessible way. My students needed something slower, safer, and more supportive—and so did I.
This ready-to-use improv unit is packed with fun, structured activities that build confidence, creativity, and collaboration—without the stress of memorizing lines! NOTE: This unit is designed specifically for grades 8-12 and while the setup is the same as the grades 4-6 version, characters, scenarios, settings, and complications are more elevated for this grade level.
Perfect for beginners and young performers, this resource includes a complete introduction to the basics of improv, plus a collection of age-appropriate scene starters designed to spark imagination and keep students moving, laughing, and learning.
This flexible 10-day Introduction to Improvisation Unit includes:
✅ Low-risk activities to build trust and confidence
✅ Scaffolded scene work that grows with your students
✅ Clear daily plans that you can follow with ease
✅ Tons of fun, zero pressure
Teaching improv for the first time and feeling totally overwhelmed? I’ve been there. When I set out to teach my first improvisation unit, all I could find were video clips of advanced performers, loose activity lists, random "improv cards" that were all the same, and zero guidance on how to actually teach students the fundamentals in a structured, accessible way. My students needed something slower, safer, and more supportive—and so did I.
This ready-to-use improv unit is packed with fun, structured activities that build confidence, creativity, and collaboration—without the stress of memorizing lines! NOTE: This unit is designed specifically for grades 8-12 and while the setup is the same as the grades 4-6 version, characters, scenarios, settings, and complications are more elevated for this grade level.
Perfect for beginners and young performers, this resource includes a complete introduction to the basics of improv, plus a collection of age-appropriate scene starters designed to spark imagination and keep students moving, laughing, and learning.
This flexible 10-day Introduction to Improvisation Unit includes:
✅ Low-risk activities to build trust and confidence
✅ Scaffolded scene work that grows with your students
✅ Clear daily plans that you can follow with ease
✅ Tons of fun, zero pressure
Who It’s For:
Brand-new drama teachers
Elementary and middle school drama classes
Theater classes with limited time or mixed confidence levels
Sub plans, after-school programs, or classroom enrichment
Team-building, ice-breakers, or creative brain breaks
ELL-friendly and accessible for diverse learners
Why Teachers Love It:
No Experience Required – You don’t need an improv background to teach this. I’ve built in teacher directions, example scripts, and linked videos so you feel confident every step of the way.
Perfect for True Beginners – Whether your students are brand-new to drama or just nervous to speak out loud, this unit helps them ease in gently, and gets everyone participating.
Two Flexible Tracks – Want to build toward a final performance? Or just keep it low-key and skills-based? Choose your path with two pacing guides: one for a class showcase and one just for practice and growth.
Designed with Structure AND Joy – Students learn how to collaborate, listen, create characters, and “Yes, and…” their way to better scenes—all through engaging, intentional lessons.
What’s Included:
Up to 10 Days of Fully Planned Lessons → Or mix, match, and condense for a shorter unit
Two full (and flexible) 10-Day pacing guides (Skills-Based & Showcase)
Editable Introduction to Improvisation Lesson Slides (18 slides - covers the basics with clear, kid-friendly visuals and examples)
Editable "First Lines" Activity Slides (20 slides)
10 full days of lesson plans
Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Unit Student Self-Assessments
10 Daily Warm-Up Games (with example video links!)
“First Lines” Activity & Scaffolded Scene Starters
Beginner & Intermediate Scene Cards
Group Scene Cards for ensemble work
Mix-and-Match Improv Card Deck → 40 Characters, 24 Scenarios, 24 Conflicts
Reflection prompts - A flexible tool for classroom wrap-ups and SEL connections
2 Improv Vocabulary quick guides
Differentiation tips for ELL/SPED
Extension ideas + optional showcase support
Why Your Students Will Love It:
Low-pressure activities that ease them in
Silly warm-up games they’ll actually look forward to
No memorizing or scripts—just creativity and collaboration
Clear scene prompts so they’re never stuck or lost
A chance to laugh, take risks, and express themselves in a safe space
Learning Objectives:
Students Will:
Understand and apply the basic rules of improvisation
Practice spontaneous thinking and creative risk-taking
Strengthen communication, listening, and collaboration skills
Perform short, unscripted scenes with partners and groups
Reflect on personal growth and teamwork after each class
Estimated Time:
10 class periods with flexibility to extend or adapt to your needs!
