Adapted from "Ten Second Objects" on the Drama Resource website (http://dramaresource.com/games/warm-ups/ten-second-objects) The original activity is great as is:
"Divide everyone into small groups (4-6). Call out the name of an object and all the groups have to make the shape of that object out of their own bodies, joining together in different ways while you count down slowly from ten to zero. Usually every group will find a different way of forming the object. Examples could be: a car, a fried breakfast, a clock, a washing machine, a fire."
Variations:
The basic technique seems very adaptable. If we mash it up with the Statues activity...
Ten Second Emotions -- joker calls out an emotion -- "Despair!" -- and each group has ten seconds to create a statue that shows that emotion.
Ten Second Concepts -- joker calls out a concept -- "Freedom!" -- and each group has ten seconds to create a statue that shows that concept.
Ten Second History -- Joker calls out a historical event (or period or person) -- The Flint Sitdown Strike! -- and each group has ten seconds to create a statue that shows that event.
Ten Second Genres, Ten Second Political Parties, Ten Second Relationships (family, team, workmates...). The possibilities are endless.