Post-Show Classroom Activity

Invite students to get on their feet and play a warm-up game themed to Two Trains Running. This game is a variation of  the theatre/improv game “Kitty Wants a Corner.” 

As always, please note that some steps of the activity may be condensed, eliminated, or extended based on the needs of your classroom. 

Hambone Want His Ham

Activity Preparation

• Set-Up
  • Clear desks/chairs away to have enough space to play Hambone Wants His Ham. Students should be able to form a circle with enough space for them to sneak across it to switch spots with each other. 

This activity will take approximately 15 minutes.

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Learning Sequence

1. Have students form a circle facing each other. Ask for one volunteer to be Hambone.
2. The student who is Hambone will go around the circle person by person, demanding: “You gonna give me my ham!” The person approached will reply: “Not today, come back tomorrow.” Hambone will continue going down the line. If they reach the end of the circle without changing Hambones, a new Hambone will be chosen. 
3. While Hambone is going around asking for his ham, the students in the circle will attempt to make eye contact with someone across the way, silently agree with their eyes that they’re going to switch places, and then quickly do so. If Hambone makes it to their spot during the switch, whomever does not have a spot is the new Hambone. Advise students to attempt to switch when Hambone has their back to them. Students may not switch places with the people immediately next to them. 
4. Make sure that the student who is Hambone steps right up to the person they are addressing; they should not stand in the middle of the circle, as space needs to exist behind them for others to sneak around. 
5. Debrief with students: How did it feel to play Hambone? What made this game “work”? What made it challenging? If any revelations come to light (e.g., eye contact is essential, or people need to be willing to risk losing their spot), consider facilitating another round with these new ideas. Also consider a somewhat more advanced level, where Hambone can pop around to any part of the circle, or rule where players need to move a certain number of times in a minute. 

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•  This activity aligns with the following standards:
  • Illinois Arts Learning Standards 
    • Anchor Standard 5: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
  • Common Core State Standards 
    • CCSS.ELA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Posted on May 29, 2026 in Learning Guides, Productions