Discuss the definition and types of figurative language. Ask the students to think of where they have been exposed to figurative language. Discuss how drama can convey various types of literary techniques.
Create a deck of index cards that contain hyperboles (one hyperbole per card). You could use phrases like, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" or "He was sweating bullets." Ask individuals students to come forward, draw a card from the deck and act out the hyperbole in a charade. The student who correctly guesses the hyperbole gets to go next.
State a simile. Have a volunteer come to the front of the class and pose in a way that represents that simile. Then invite one to three more students to add on to the pose in ways that further illustrates the simile. Examples of similes that students could act out include "steady as a rock," "eyes like daggers" and "sly as a fox."
Divide your class into groups of two to four students. Have the groups write a brief play about a general concept, such as "first day at a new school" or "making the basketball team." Give your class criteria concerning figurative language that they must use in their play. For instance, they might be required to use at least one example each of alliteration, simile, hyperbole and metaphor. Once the plays are created, have the students act out their plays for the rest of the class.