Sand
Sand is one of the most versatile props you can use. Not
only can it be used to create a scene, e.g. a beach, a desert or a playground,
but it also enables a multitude of activities for participants. When using sand
an obvious concern is the potential mess, so sand pits made from builders trays
are a good way to avoid this. Smaller trays can used for participants in
wheelchairs. Another solution is to roll out a large cloth and weight the
edges, giving a wider, open area
in which to work. The cloth can then be gathered up to pour the sand back into
a container (wheelie bins are useful for storage and can be borrowed from local
councils). It is advisable to use kids’ play sand rather than builders’, as
this has a tendency to stain.
Sieve through fingers, pour over toes, bury hands and
feet.
Fill containers with wet and dry sand
Make patterns with shells or pebbles
Pour from
height to encourage movement, to raise eyelines and experience a free
flowing medium. This activity will encourage engagement
Make marks with hands and feet or different props and
instruments (you could use toy insects or crabs, depending on theme). This can be a very focused activity that explores lots of different mark making
possibilities. Using instruments such as cabasas gives a sound element to the
activity.
Work on mirrors to give another dimension - reflect the images onto the surrounding walls. Paint patterns in
water, cover in sand, then tip off to reveal the pattern of the water.
Use lengths of blue organza to enact waves rolling onto
the beach. Crashing the ‘wave’ onto the beach generates a sense of excitement
and expectation in waiting for the next one.
Drawing patterns in black sand on an overhead projector is an interesting alternative
As a resource for creating sets, small cloth or plastic
bags of sand make useful weights for holding things steady. Ready made sand
bags with sturdy metal loops are also available from theatre suppliers and are
invaluable in set construction, particularly in supporting and securing
unsupported structures.