10 Simple Theatre Scenes You Can Try Today with Your Performer
- centrestagekids
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Sometimes the most fun in theatre and kids' theatre comes from keeping things simple. You don’t need a stage, fancy costumes, or a full script to be creative—you just need an idea and a willingness to play.
When I teach kids' theatre, one activity I love to introduce to performers is what I call "simple scenes." As a teacher or director, I give two performers a location and a simple scenario. Simple theatre scenes allow performers to explore characters, play with emotions, and let their imaginations take the lead. Best of all, they’re quick, easy to set up, and can be done in a homeschool lesson, theatre class, or even right in your living room.
Why Are Simple Scenes So Fun?
They remove pressure—no need to memorize pages of lines.
They encourage creativity—kids can invent details on the spot.
They build confidence—performers get to make bold choices in a safe space.
They’re flexible—you can make them last 5 minutes or stretch them into a bigger project.
Sometimes, when we have a larger group, we even play with simple scenes that last only 60 seconds. This is a great way to get your point across in a short amount of time.
What Makes a Great Simple Scene?
Even the simplest of scenes can feel rich and exciting when you keep a few things in mind:
Clear beginning, middle, and end. Your audience should feel like they’ve watched a mini-story.
Defined characters. We need to know who the performers are and how they relate to each other.
A clear setting. Where are they? A kitchen, a waiting room, a spaceship? Setting helps ground the scene.
Level of support. The younger the performer, the more details you can provide to guide them. Older kids might love filling in those blanks themselves.
Flexibility. Scenes can be done completely on the spot like improv, or—if performers like a little prep time—give them 5 minutes to “rehearse” before they present.
10 Simple Theatre Scene Ideas You Can Try Today
1. The Mysterious Package
Two characters discover a package on the doorstep. One wants to open it right away, while the other insists it’s too dangerous. What’s inside? That’s up to the performers to decide.
2. Lost in Translation
One performer speaks in gibberish, and the other has to “translate” to the audience. Watch how creative they get when they make up the story on the spot!
3. The Elevator Ride
Both characters are stuck in an elevator. Add a twist: maybe one is claustrophobic, one is in a huge rush, or maybe the elevator suddenly starts playing really strange music.
4. The Last Piece of Cake
There’s only one piece of cake left. Both characters want it. How far will they go to win it?
5. The Detective and the Witness
One performer is a detective trying to solve a case, and the other is the only witness. The witness is very dramatic and keeps giving confusing (or hilarious) details.
6. The Time Machine Malfunction
The characters just traveled back in time—or forward into the future—but something went wrong. Where are they, and what do they see?
7. The Lost Item
One performer lost something very important (a shoe, a phone, a magic wand), and the other is “helping” them look for it… but the helper makes things much more complicated.
8. The Awkward First Day
It’s the first day at a new school, job, or even planet. One character is nervous, while the other is the overly enthusiastic greeter who just won’t stop talking.
9. The Superhero and the Sidekick
The superhero is about to face their greatest villain, but the sidekick has their own ideas about how things should go.
10. The Waiting Room
Two strangers sit in a waiting room. One is calm and patient, while the other is restless and dramatic. Why are they waiting? What news are they hoping for?
How to Use These Scenes
In your homeschool: Let your kids pick their favourite and act it out as a fun break between subjects.
In theatre class: Use them as quick warm-ups or longer improv projects.
At home: Try them after dinner for a family laugh—you can even take turns acting and directing.
The beauty of simple theatre scenes is that they grow with the performer. One day it’s a 2-minute improv, the next it could inspire a full script. Keep it simple, ensure there’s a beginning, middle, and end, and watch your performers shine!
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