Incorporating acting and drama into English language teaching is a powerful tool for TESOL teachers. It not only enhances language skills but also boosts creativity, confidence, and cultural understanding. In Asia, where film and theater traditions are rich and varied, teaching English through drama can be an inspiring way to connect students to global communication. In this article, we explore how TESOL teachers can use acting and drama in the classroom, and we’ll share some fun facts about Asia’s most famous actors and filmmakers who have left a global impact.
Why Use Drama in TESOL?
Teaching English through acting and drama has several benefits:
- Enhanced Language Acquisition: Acting provides an immersive environment where students can practice language in context. Through scripts, role-play, and dialogue, students naturally learn pronunciation, intonation, and conversational skills.
- Boosting Confidence: Stepping into a character allows students to take risks with language without fear. They focus on expressing emotions and ideas, which can reduce anxiety about making mistakes.
- Cultural Exploration: Many dramatic pieces reflect the cultures they come from, providing a bridge for TESOL students to explore different customs, values, and histories.
Practical Strategies for Teaching Drama
- Role-Playing Everyday Scenarios
Start by incorporating simple role-play activities that mirror real-life situations. Have students act out scenes like ordering food in a restaurant, checking into a hotel, or resolving a misunderstanding. This allows them to practice functional English while performing. - Scripted Dialogues from Famous Films
Take scenes from famous Asian movies and adapt them for language learning. Students can practice reading and acting out the lines, focusing on pronunciation, emotional expression, and body language. - Improvisation Exercises
Improv activities are fantastic for building language fluency. Give students a setting and situation, and let them create their dialogue on the spot. Improvisation encourages spontaneous thinking and helps students become more comfortable speaking in English. - Drama Performances
Organize a classroom drama production where students can rehearse and perform a short play or scene. Whether it’s Shakespeare or a traditional Asian drama, students learn to work collaboratively while improving their language skills.
Fun Facts: Famous Asian Actors and Filmmakers
- Bruce Lee – The Martial Arts Legend
Bruce Lee, born in San Francisco to Chinese parents and raised in Hong Kong, is arguably one of the most influential martial artists and actors in cinema history. Known for his iconic films like Enter the Dragon and Fist of Fury, Bruce Lee brought martial arts into mainstream cinema and changed the face of action films worldwide. Fun fact: Lee developed his own form of martial arts called Jeet Kune Do, which he referred to as “the art of expressing the human body.” - Jackie Chan – Master of Action Comedy
Jackie Chan is another Hong Kong legend known for blending martial arts with comedy. With films like Rush Hour and Drunken Master, he became a global sensation. Jackie Chan is famous for performing his own stunts—many of which are death-defying. Fun fact: Jackie holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Stunts by a Living Actor.” - Akira Kurosawa – The Filmmaking Genius
Akira Kurosawa, a Japanese director, is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His epic films, including Seven Samurai and Rashomon, have inspired directors all over the world, from George Lucas to Steven Spielberg. Fun fact: Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai was remade into the classic Western The Magnificent Seven. - Zhang Yimou – Visionary Director from China
Zhang Yimou is a Chinese filmmaker known for visually stunning films like Hero and House of Flying Daggers. His works often reflect historical Chinese themes combined with modern filmmaking techniques. Fun fact: Zhang Yimou directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his flair for large-scale productions. - Michelle Yeoh – The First Asian Bond Girl
Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh is a versatile star known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tomorrow Never Dies, and more recently Everything Everywhere All at Once. She’s celebrated for her action sequences and dramatic performances. Fun fact: Michelle Yeoh performed most of her own stunts in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, despite having no formal martial arts training. - Bong Joon-ho – The Oscar-Winning Director
South Korean director Bong Joon-ho made history when his film Parasite won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020—the first non-English language film to do so. His genre-bending films, which include Snowpiercer and The Host, tackle complex social issues. Fun fact: Parasite swept the major Oscar categories, winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
Engaging Drama-Based Activities for TESOL Classrooms
- Film Dialogue Challenge
Choose iconic scenes from Asian films and have students work in pairs or small groups to recreate the dialogue. This activity helps with pronunciation, emotion, and cultural context. Afterward, they can discuss the scene, talking about the emotions and language used. - Famous Actor Interviews
Have students pair up for a mock interview, where one plays a famous Asian actor or filmmaker, and the other is a journalist. Students can ask questions about their careers, favorite films, and more, using the opportunity to practice question forms and responses. - Improvised Film Scenes
Divide the class into small groups and give them a prompt to create a short film scene. For example, “You’re martial artists in a competition,” or “You’re filmmakers discussing your next big project.” Allow them time to prepare and perform their scenes in front of the class. - Cultural Monologues
Assign students famous monologues or dialogues from Asian dramas or films. Students can perform these individually or in pairs, focusing on pronunciation, rhythm, and cultural expression.
Tips for TESOL Teachers Using Drama
- Focus on Expression
Encourage students to focus not just on the words, but also on how they are delivered. Acting requires emotion, tone variation, and body language, which helps students grasp the nuances of spoken English. - Incorporate Visuals
Use clips from famous films or TV shows to inspire students. Watching actors deliver lines helps students understand how to use tone, pitch, and rhythm to convey meaning. - Create a Safe Environment
Many students may feel shy or awkward when acting, especially in a second language. Create a supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.
Conclusion: Lights, Camera, Language!
Using acting and drama in TESOL teaching, especially in Asia where film and theater have such deep cultural roots, is a fun and effective way to enhance language learning. By drawing inspiration from famous Asian actors and filmmakers, TESOL teachers can create engaging lessons that motivate students to practice English with confidence. Whether it’s role-playing as martial arts legends like Bruce Lee or performing emotional scenes from Zhang Yimou’s epic films, incorporating drama into your classroom will have your students speaking English like stars.
