Freeze Frame - Drama Teachers

A freeze frame is a simple yet powerful drama technique used widely in drama education, where students create a still image or tableau to capture a moment in time. By using their bodies and facial expressions without movement or speech, they can explore characters, relationships, emotions and dramatic tension.

This technique helps students develop physical awareness and storytelling skills while encouraging creativity, teamwork and deeper interpretation of a scene or theme. Freeze frames are especially effective in group work and can be used across all key stages to support devised pieces, text exploration, and reflective discussions.

What it is

A freeze frame is a moment of stillness in which performers stop all movement and hold a physical position, as though ‘frozen in time’. It’s also sometimes called a tableau or still image. Like a living photograph, it can show a single moment in a scene, a character’s inner world, or a symbolic representation of an idea.

Freeze frames are a powerful visual tool that help students focus on body language, facial expressions, and spatial relationships. They invite reflection, interpretation, and deeper understanding of character and story.

How it works

Students are asked to create a frozen image to represent a key moment, emotion, idea, or theme. This could be a still image from a scene, a reaction to an event, or a symbolic representation of something abstract, like power or injustice.

Once the group is in position, you can explore the image further by:

Tapping a character on the shoulder to bring them to life (thought-tracking)
Asking observers to interpret the image or describe the relationships
Changing the frame and discussing how meaning shifts
Adding voiceovers, movement transitions or soundscapes afterwards
Bringing the scene to life for 30 seconds to see how it develops

Freeze frames can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups – and can be used as a quick starter or a deeper devising tool.

When to use it

Freeze frames can be used across all key stages and can be particularly helpful with younger groups to help them start improvisations or as a warm-up. They can also be used to:

To explore character or emotion: What does a character feel at a certain point? Can students show it without words?
To capture key moments: Freezing a scene at a dramatic turning point can help students reflect on motivation or consequence
To develop devising: Groups can use freeze frames to plan the structure of a performance or highlight its key beats
To introduce symbolism: Ask students to create abstract images that represent themes like oppression, freedom or fear
For audience response: Observers can reflect on the image, suggest dialogue, or ask questions of the characters
Marking the moment: Freezing briefly within a performance will alert the audience to the importance or irony of the moment

Teaching tips

Set clear criteria. What should be included in the frame? Facial expression? Levels? Spacing?
Model the technique by creating a freeze frame together first
Emphasise stillness and commitment. It’s tempting for students to giggle or fidget at first!
Keep it short and sharp. 5-8 seconds is usually enough. Don’t let the image drag on – pause, reflect, then move on or add layers
Rotate roles. Give everyone the chance to direct as well as perform
Use it regularly so students build confidence and fluency with the technique

Extension ideas

Add a thought-in-the-head: Name each frozen character to hear their inner thoughts
Create a series of freeze frames: Build a story using 3-5 still images and then add narration or transitions
Incorporate lighting or sound: Use music, spotlights, or ambient sound to enhance the atmosphere
Bring it to life: Move from still image to short scene or monologue
Use stimulus: Respond to poems, images, music or news headlines by creating freeze frames that interpret meaning or mood