Sam Marsden
About Sam
Sam's work hopes to empower and spark people's creativity, whether through her drama teaching, teaching resources, teacher training, or fiction.
Sam is the author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8–18 Year Olds (Bloomsbury Academic / Methuen Drama), Acting Games for Improv, Drama Games for Early Years (4–7 Years), Acting Exercises for Creative Writing, and Drama Games for Mindfulness and Emotional Health (Morpho Press).
Sam is represented by Anna Dixon at YMU. Her first novel Under Glass went viral on Wattpad and was later optioned for film and TV by former Warner Bros. President of Film Greg Silverman at Stampede Ventures.
She studied at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and completed a BA/BS in International Development Studies and Sociology, graduating with first-class honours and the David Weeks memorial prize.
Sam has taught drama full-time in many settings and now balances teaching with writing. She also writes for The Stage newspaper, Spotlight, and Teach Primary.
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Fresh ideas for your drama lessons
Explore Sam’s drama books created for busy teachers who want practical, creative activities that build confidence, teamwork, and joy in every lesson.
Fun warm‑ups and improv games that get everyone involved
Written by an experienced drama teacher who understands real classrooms
Drama Games for Mindfulness and Emotional Health
Playful pathways to calm and confidence.
Drama Games for Early Years
Big imaginations start with tiny steps.
Acting Games for Improv
Think fast, act freer – unleash spontaneity.
Acting Exercises for Creative Writing
Turn stories into scenes, words into action.
The art of improvisation starts with the attitude of 'yes'; choosing to never block an idea or thought but to act on your nerve and instinct. I think everyone should 'say yes' to this important addition to Sam's excellent collection of work.
This is a great guide to teaching improvisation. It offers a nice variety of different ways to stimulate players of all ages to find more freedom, creative expression and joy through play.
Sam Marsden's books are absolutely essential for both primary teachers and drama specialists. Filled with easy-to-follow, engaging activities, they inspire my teaching practice daily, from Early Years right through to my senior school drama club. In today's world, where teaching young people strategies for mental health is crucial, this book offers invaluable tools to support their emotional well-being through drama. If you teach drama in any capacity, Sam's books are the ultimate resource you didn't know you needed—but won't want to plan without!
Sam's sparkling book of drama techniques brings mindfulness center-stage! Each clever activity incorporates the arts to connect students with their inner selves and each other in the most empowering, dynamic, and playful of ways!
The connection between mental health, well being and drama cannot be underestimated. Sam Marsden has managed to capture this in her most recent book. The exercises are easy to follow, offer a sense of safety, set clear boundaries and are inclusive. Any practitioner, teacher or therapist will find the book an excellent reference point when planning their work.
Drama games are essential for any young child's development, encouraging expressive language, stretching imaginations, building confidence and having fun! In this book you will find many games that will allow children to consider alternative perspectives, encourage them to listen to their peers and help them become more motivated to communicate their own ideas.
Anyone working with young children will find this book invaluable.
This fantastic and diverse collection of games is the perfect toolkit for educators to introduce young performers to the magic of theatre and inspire them to unleash their creativity!
Sam Marsden brings the art of story-telling to life with her accessible, engaging and fun approach to creative writing. Sam Marsden's work is approachable, open, inclusive, caring and creative.
Fact: drama in the classroom enhances students' creative writing. But what if using drama is out of your comfort zone? These easy-to-follow exercises can be applied to any topic and will support you in developing children's imaginations.
This fun guide is a must-have for teachers who want to inspire their students through interactive games that secretly teach important communication skills!
Featured
100 Acting Exercises for 8-18 Year Olds
“Here is the book that every drama teacher should have on their shelf.”
Sylvia Young, OBE
“An excellent resource. Acting coaches and their young students will find daily inspiration.”
Robert McKee, author, lecturer, and story consultant
Teacher Training Courses
Upcoming online and in-person sessions
Join one of my upcoming training sessions to build confidence, gain practical ideas, and connect with other teachers. For bespoke courses please get in touch.
Course feedback
Sam's workshops were an excellent refresher into drama education with children and young people - filled with nuggets of gold from someone highly experienced in her field. The accompanying plans and notes were extremely helpful and thorough, making it the perfect CPD session as a drama facilitator and a great chance to meet others working across drama teaching and facilitating.
I absolutely loved Saturday. I left feeling energised, creatively fulfilled and it reminded me why I love doing what I do. I went into my sessions on Monday with a renewed enthusiasm and the kids loved the new exercises I learned from you.
The workshop with Sam was full of exciting tips and tools to try out as a facilitator working with early years. Sam has a lot of experience, and I am grateful that she is able to share her practice. It’s all about imagination and creativity with early years and Sam demonstrated this in all the exercises explored.
A lovely, safe space to learn and watch your creativity take shape. Sam has a special talent for making you feel at ease while offering insightful, practical advice. I loved her online course. It felt like being in the room with her, exploring new ideas and developing my imagination. It’s inspiring how she manages to balance theory and practice, giving you everything you need to grow as a creative teacher. I will definitely attend more courses in the future.
Sam, it's been a pleasure attending your course! In just an hour and a half I got so many ideas to use in my drama classes. I loved your energy and input on such an important matter: drama for wellbeing. Thank you!
Sam's session was great. She had so many tips and ideas that my notebook was full by the end! It's given me loads of confidence to go forward with my drama sessions.