Freeze Frame

Credit:

This idea originated with Rina Wintour of Mountjoy Enterprises who called it “Liquid Pictures” in a series of books with creative ideas for presenting scripture. Visit her website at http://www.liturgycreations.com

Preparation:

Either as a group, or as the leader, compose a title or summary statement of the story; also compose a descriptive phrase for 3-5 plot movements in the story. These could be words from the story; it could also be one word. Print the phrase on index cards and assign one/child to learn by heart.

Process:

Children and adult leader (optional) line up in front of the audience with their backs to the audience. Follow the pattern below, which is designed for a four-episode story.

Child (or adult leader) at beginning of line, stage right, starts:

  1. Turn around, take two steps forward
  2. Say the title or summary statement about story three times
  3. Do a brief appropriate movement inspired by the words, freeze

Second child in line goes next:

  1. Turn around, take two steps forward
  2. Say phrase #1 three times
  3. Do a brief movement inspired by the words, strike a pose and freeze

Third person in line goes next:

  1. Turn around, take two steps forward
  2. Say phrase #2 three times
  3. Do a brief movement inspired by the words, strike a pose and freeze

Fourth person in line goes next:

  1. Turn around, take two steps forward
  2. Say phrase #3 three times
  3. Do a brief movement inspired by the words, strike a pose and freeze

Fifth person in line goes next:

  1. Take two steps forward
  2. Say phrase #4 three times
  3. Do a brief movement inspired by the words, strike a pose and freeze

First person repeats the title or summary statement and everyone bows.