10 Acting Warm-Up
Routines Every Performer
Should Know

Step-by-step warm-up exercises to prepare the body, voice, and mind
before performances.

  • Table of Contents

Introduction

Performers often underestimate how much of a difference a structured warm‑up makes. A targeted warm‑up prevents injury, sharpens the voice, and centers the mind — all essential for truthful, present performances. Below are ten professional warm‑ups used by stage and screen actors. Each routine includes the purpose, step‑by‑step instructions, duration, modifications, and pro tips.

How to use these warm‑ups

Timing

Aim for a 20–30 minute full ritual before a rehearsal or show. For quick calls, pick 3–4 focused exercises for 7–10 minutes.

Sequence

Start large (body), move to voice, finish with the mind/brief scene work.

Intensity

Warm‑ups should gradually increase heart rate and activation but stop if you feel any sharp pain.

Environment

Dim lights or a single key lamp helps focus; use a small mirror for facial work.

1.Full‑Body Dynamic Warm‑Up

Purpose

Raise core temperature, mobilize major joints, improve blood flow.

Duration

5–8 minutes

Energy Level

Moderate

Steps:1

  1. March in place (1 min): lift knees to hip height, swing arms naturally.2
  2. Inchworm to toe‑touch (1 min): from standing, reach to toes, walk hands out to plank, then walk feet toward hands.3
  3. World’s Greatest Stretch (1 min per side): lunging with torso twist to open spine and hips.4
  4. Arm circles and shoulder rolls (30 sec each): gradually increase arc.
💡 Pro tip:

Keep breathing even; avoid holding breath during movement.

Variations:

For a lower impact option, skip the plank walk. For higher intensity, add light jumping jacks for 30 seconds.

2.Spinal Articulation & Mobility

Purpose

Increase spinal range of motion and free the breath.

Duration

3–5 minutes

Focus

Spine & Breath

Steps:

  1. Cat–Cow (8–10 reps): slow, deliberate, synchronizing movement with breath (inhale cow, exhale cat).
  2. pinal rolls (standing) (6 reps): knees soft, roll head down, vertebrae by vertebrae, then roll back up.
  3. Segmental twists (seated) (6 reps each side): move from low ribs upward.
⚠️ Common mistake:

Rushing the rolls — aim for control.

3.Breath Control & Diaphragmatic Support

Purpose

Establish consistent breath support and control for projection and phrasing.

Duration

4–6 minutes

Target

Diaphragm

Steps:

  1. Diaphragmatic breathing (2 min): hands on lower ribs, inhale 4 counts, hold 1, exhale 6 counts.
  2. Sustained hissing (1 min): hiss out on a controlled 8–12 second exhale.
  3. Sustained vowel on pitch (1–2 min): choose an easy pitch and sustain on “ah” for sets of 4–6 seconds, focusing on steady airflow.
💡 Pro tip:

Imagine your breath occupying the lower ribs and back rather than the throat.

4.Lip Trills & Sirens (Vocal)

Purpose

Warm up vocal folds gently and extend range without strain.

Duration

3–5 minutes

Focus

Vocal Folds

Vocal Exercises:

Lip Trills
Brrrr... (on comfortable pitch, slide up and down slowly)

Duration: 2 minutes

Glissando Sirens
Ooooooo... (start low, slide to comfortable high, back down)

Duration: 2 minutes

⚠️ Common mistake:

Pushing too hard—lip trills are meant to be effortless.

5.Resonance & Projection Exercises

Purpose

Find forward placement and increase carrying power without shouting.

Duration

4–6 minutes

Target

Resonance

Steps:

  1. Humming into mask (1–2 min): place hum forward (feel vibration in cheekbones and nose).
  2. Nasal consonant ladders (m‑n‑ng) (2 min): combine consonant to vowel and move through pitch ladder.
  3. Short phrase projection (2 min): speak a phrase with intent, using forward resonance rather than throat pressure.
💡 Pro tip:

Use a small hallway or empty studio to test projection.

6.Articulation & Tongue Twisters

Purpose

Clear articulation and rapid speech clarity for crisp line delivery.

Duration

3–5 minutes

Focus

Articulation

Tongue Twisters:

Red Leather, Yellow Leather
"Red leather, yellow leather."
Unique New York
"Unique New York. You know you need unique New York."
💡 Pro tip:

Emphasize consonant crispness not speed — accuracy first.

7.Facial Isolation & Micro‑Expressions

Purpose

Increase facial flexibility and control; useful for close‑up camera work.

Duration

3 minutes

Best For

Camera Work

Steps:

  1. Eyebrow lifts (10 reps): slow and exaggerated, then soften.
  2. Mouth shapes (10 reps): over‑articulate vowels with exaggerated shapes.
  3. Micro‑expressions ladder (2 min): move through small expressions (curiosity, surprise, suspicion, warmth).

8.Energy & Spatial Awareness (Physical)

Build physical presence and spatial awareness through controlled movement and energy exercises.

9.Short Improvisation Scenes (Mind/Spirit)

Quick improv exercises to activate creativity and spontaneity.

10.Cold‑Read & Line Rehearsal Drill

Practice sight-reading and line delivery to sharpen performance readiness.

Ready to Level Up Your Performance?

Master these warm-ups with personalized coaching. Get weekly acting drills, technique breakdowns, and performance tips delivered to your inbox.

Start Free Coaching Trial

Related Articles

Camera vs. Stage Acting
Adapting your technique
Voice Projection Techniques
Essential for stage performers
Audition Preparation Guide
Nail your next casting call