Act like somebody else!
Choose a person or character to imitate, study their movements, voice, and expressions, then perform a one minute acting routine to practice observation.
Step-by-step guide to act like somebody else
Step 1
Pick one person or character you want to act like for one minute.
Step 2
Find a mirror so you can watch yourself while you practice.
Step 3
Clear a small space where you can move safely.
Step 4
Set your timer for one minute so you are ready to perform.
Step 5
Spend two minutes watching or imagining the person to notice how they move talk and show feelings.
Step 6
Write down three things you noticed about their voice face or body on your paper.
Step 7
Put on one costume piece if you want to feel more like the person.
Step 8
Practice copying their voice in the mirror for thirty seconds.
Step 9
Practice copying their facial expressions in the mirror for thirty seconds.
Step 10
Practice copying their body movements and gestures in your space for thirty seconds.
Step 11
Plan a short one-minute routine on your paper using the voice face and movements you practiced.
Step 12
Start your timer.
Step 13
Perform your one-minute acting routine.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of a mirror, timer, costume piece, or paper if I don't have them?
Use your smartphone's front camera as a mirror and its clock app as a timer, wear a scarf or hat as a costume piece, and jot your three observations on a notebook or a notes app instead of paper.
What should I do if my acting doesn't look or sound like the person during the 30-second practices?
If the 30-second mirror or movement practices aren't matching the person, replay your two-minute watching/imagining step, break each 30-second practice into smaller 10–15 second tries while comparing to the mirror, and adjust one feature at a time (voice, face, or body).
How can I adapt this acting activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids simplify by choosing an animal or family member, skip writing on paper and draw one expression, and shorten the routine to 20–30 seconds, while older kids can add a second costume piece, write three detailed notes on paper, and expand the routine into a two-minute scene.
How can we make the one-minute routine more creative or shareable after finishing?
Film your one-minute routine on a phone, add a simple prop or background music, compare the video to your paper notes for tweaks, and then upload the final clip to DIY.org to share.
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Facts about acting and role-play for kids
⏱️ One-minute acting exercises are popular because short, focused performances sharpen observation, timing, and confidence.
🎬 Charlie Chaplin became a global star in silent films by exaggerating movement and expression—great for studying physical comedy.
🎭 Konstantin Stanislavski co-founded the Moscow Art Theatre and created techniques that shaped modern acting training.
🤐 Mime artists tell whole stories without words—using face, hands, and body to show emotions and actions.
🗣️ Voice actors can play many different characters by changing pitch, speed, and accents alone.
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