For printable copy of FIVE THINGS instructions, click on the word: INSTRUCTIONS
To see a video of FIVE THINGS being taught, click on the word: VIDEO

This exercise helps actors think quickly, and to speak with confidence even when they may be unsure about
what they are saying.

• Students stand in a circle. The teacher turns to the student on their right and names a category, e.g., Names of Fruits, Types of Pets, Things with Wheels, etc. The student must then name five things that fit that category. 

• As the student is naming, the other students count from one to five in unison–one number after each item. After the fifth item, the whole group chants, “These are five things! Yeah!” For example:

Teacher: Name five colors. 
Student: Red 
All: One!
Student: Blue
All: Two!
Student: Green
All: Three!
Student: Yellow
All: Four!
Student: Black!
All: Five! These are five things! Yeah! 

• Stress that there are no wrong answers. It is more important to name something with confidence and without hesitating, even if it doesn’t fit the category. For example, if the category is “colors” and the student says, “Tiger!,” the other students should accept the answer and continue counting. 

• For younger students, the teacher should probably assign all the categories. For older groups, each student who finishes naming five things can then assign a category to the person on their right as the game moves around the circle. Older actors can also get more creative with their categories, e.g. “Name five flavors of ice cream that haven’t been invented yet,” or “Name five ways to wash a car without water.” 

© 2023, Friends of the Groom Theater Company