Task-Based Performance: The Action Score
Drawing on the performance art tradition, groups carry out everyday tasks with full attention (walking to a cone, sitting, looking, carrying) organized into a score with reaction rules. Students work on stage presence, focus, and group composition without "dancing."
How to play
- Spend 2 minutes explaining the idea: in performance art you don't play a character; you actually do the task, with attention and no decoration.
- Each student draws 3 task cards (walk to a cone, sit on the floor, turn slowly, point at something far away, lie down, carry a cone) and does them neutrally across the field (4 minutes).
- Groups of 5 or 6 write a score of 6 tasks with order and duration, plus two reaction rules, for example: "when someone lies down, everyone else freezes" (6 minutes).
- Rehearsal: the group runs the score without talking; one member steps out each round to watch and suggest changes (5 minutes).
- Two groups perform at the same time on each half of the field while the other two watch from outside, then switch (4 minutes).
- Debrief: when did you feel the audience was really watching? Which rule created the best image? (3 minutes).
Rules
- Do tasks at real speed, without running or exaggerating.
- Nobody carries another person or lies down in another group's path.
- No talking or laughing during the performance: if focus breaks, take a breath and keep going.
Variations
Easier
The score has 4 tasks and a single reaction rule.
Standard
Six tasks with two reaction rules, performed for another group.
Harder
Add a task where the group must sync up without any visible cue, only by listening.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: pick tasks that can be done from a wheelchair, such as traveling to a cone, turning, pointing, or carrying a light object.
- Students with autism: the fixed written score adds predictability; the student can also be the timekeeper.
- Shy students: the neutral, non-acting nature of the tasks makes it easier to take part without feeling exposed.
Learning goals
- Perform everyday actions with stage presence and full attention.
- Compose a group task score with reaction rules.
- Reflect on the audience's gaze and the idea of performance art.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cards: 36
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
Groups often turn tasks into mime or jokes; insist on neutral, real-time actions. Prepare cards with 12 possible tasks ahead of time to keep things moving.
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