1. Divide students into several groups and then give them a narrative to read or  a photograph to examine (these can be the same document, or each group can have a different document).
2. Ask each group to create a still image of part of the narrative or of the picture. Explain to them that this image can be either metaphoric--that is, it can represent the idea of feeling behind the text-- or it can be literal and representational. If the text has an introduction, images, or side bars, draw student attention to these features.
3. Have the groups  present their tableaux one at a time. While a group is presenting its image, ask the rest of the class to observe the tableau very closely, moving around it, if necessary, to get a better view of the entire thing. Ask the presenters to hold the tableau for 30 seonds at least, and then tell them to relax. Now the audience should discuss what they saw. (Ask the tableau presenters to be quiet for this part of the discussion.) Ask students to describe the image first, and then to think about its meaning.

     Sample questions to ask them as they discuss the image should include:

1.  
   • What did you notice? What did you see?
   • What is the main idea of the tableau?
   • What do you think this is a picture of?
   • Where is the power located in the image?
   • What might happen next?
   • What do you think happened just before?

How does the image make you feel?

Thought tracking: You can also ask students to re-present their tableau and then ask them, in role, to share what they are thinking. As the teacher, you might approach the tableau and then softly tap participants on the shoulders and ask them any number of the following questions:

• What are you (the character) thinking? Dreaming? What do you want? Why are you here? How do you feel about the person standing next to you?
• What do you want to tell this other people in the tableau?

When the audience has finished discussing the image, ask the tableau presenters: How does your audience's interpretation of your tableau match your intentions?

Don't underestimate the importance of the debriefing and reflection piece of this work. Conversations and post-tableau discussions are critical to the work of process drama.

Reflection task:

• Writing in role (write a letter or journal entry from the point of view of the person you played in the tableau).
• Write a "small moment" from the image.
• Write about what the character was thinking (an interior monologue).
• Draw a picture about the event in question.