Drama Game: Hot Spot

Type:  Raise-energy.

Purpose:

• Designed to get people to act quickly, spot patterns and “get out of their heads.”

Materials:

A big enough space for the entire class to stand in a circle comfortably.

Procedure: 

• Hot Spot begins with the group standing in a circle.
• A suggestion may be given, but it is not necessary. One person will step into the center of the circle and begin singing a song, preferably a song most of the group already knows.
• After a few brief lines of song someone must tap out the player in the center and take their place. That player then begins singing a new song somehow inspired by the previous song.
• That becomes the pattern, as player after player tap into the the center of the circle to sing a song.
• Players in the surrounding circle may support by singing along, clapping hands, impersonating instruments, etc.
• The circle also provides support by tapping in to move the exercise along and not leave the singer in the center for too long.

Variations:

• Made-up Hot Spot:  Like regular hot spot, except the songs are made up on the spot. Players in the circle are still encouraged to sing along.
• Monologue Hot Spot:  Instead of singing, the person taking the center begins to tell a story. Someone from the circle usually taps in before the story is over.
• Character Hot Spot:  Instead of singing, the person taking the center begins to tell a story as a character. The person may jump back into the circle at a later time, still acting as the original character.
• Misheard Lyrics Hot Spot:  Songs are sung with lyrics that are close, but not quite right.

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