Using props to initiate ...

Elaborate settings have their place when using drama but they are certainly not necessary and sometimes distracting.  This Bite idea is very simple and can be set up in less than a minute. 

The group is gathered ready to start – in a semi circle facing an empty space except for a plinth [1] with a cloth covering it.  On the cloth is a large conch shell. [2]

There is silence.  Nothing happens.  The students look round at each other and the staff wondering …

A person walks in [3] and goes towards the plinth like someone viewing an artifact in a museum.  She then calmly picks up the shell, puts it in her bag and leaves.

The facilitator then can invite the students to consider what is going on.  

Notes

1] the plinth can simply be a small stage block, a stool or a cardboard box.  The key is that it needs to look anonymous when covered with the cloth.  The choice of cloth will make a difference.  A roughly woven piece of natural calico will give one message while a richly embroidered silk another.

[2] having an object which is intrinsically interesting gives great potential.  However something very simple can work equally well as a stimulus – such as a smooth stone from a beach.  It is how the character reacts to it that will give it its intrigue.  If the character approaches the stone with awe then it become awesome.  If she wanders in and picks it up as if it has no value – it will appear to have no value.

[3] how the person enters will define the possibilities of what comes next.  For example: if she enters stealthily and looks round to see if anyone is watching before putting the shell in her bag it gives a message that she is up to no good.  This lead to an exploration of what they [the group] could do about it – who should they tell.  Alternatively a discussion about right and wrong and so on …