Objective

The objective of Improvisation Games is to engage players in creating spontaneous scenes or stories based on prompts provided by the audience or a game master. The focus is on creativity, quick thinking, and collaboration.

Game Setup

Players

• Minimum Players: 2
• Maximum Players: Unlimited
• Minimum Age: 8

Materials Needed

• A Game Master (optional, but recommended)
• A list of prompts (can be written on cards or suggested by the audience)
• A timer (optional, for timed games)

How to Play

1. Choose a Game Master

Select a Game Master to guide the game, provide prompts, and keep the energy high. The Game Master can be a participant or an external person.

2. Gather Prompts

Prepare a list of prompts before the game begins. Prompts can include situations, emotions, objects, or any creative idea that can inspire a scene.

3. Explain the Rules

Explain the basic rules of improvisation to all players:

• Say “Yes, and…”: Accept what others have said and build upon it.
• Stay in character: Commit to the role you are playing.
• Listen and respond: Pay attention to your fellow players and react to their contributions.
• Have fun: The goal is to enjoy and create entertaining scenes.

4. Start the Game

The Game Master selects a prompt and announces it to the players. Players then have a few seconds to gather their thoughts before starting the scene.

5. Perform the Scene

Players begin improvising a scene based on the prompt. There are no scripts or rehearsals; everything is made up on the spot. Scenes can vary in length but typically last 1-5 minutes.

6. End the Scene

The Game Master or an agreed signal (e.g., a timer, bell, or clap) can be used to end the scene. After the scene ends, the Game Master can provide feedback or move on to the next prompt.

7. Rotate Players

If playing with a large group, rotate players so everyone gets a chance to participate. Players can take turns being in the scene, or multiple scenes can be run simultaneously with different groups.

Popular Improvisation Games

1. Freeze

• Setup: Two players start a scene based on a prompt.
• How to Play: At any point, another player can shout “Freeze!” The players in the scene freeze in their positions. The new player then taps one of the frozen players, takes their position, and starts a new scene from that moment.

2. One-Word Story

• Setup: Players stand in a circle.
• How to Play: Players tell a story one word at a time, going around the circle. Each player adds a single word to the story, aiming to create a coherent and entertaining narrative.

3. Questions Only

• Setup: Two players start a scene.
• How to Play: Players can only speak in questions. If a player makes a statement or hesitates, they are replaced by another player.

4. Props

• Setup: Gather a collection of random objects (props).
• How to Play: Players select a prop and use it in a scene, creatively incorporating it into the storyline.

Tips for Success

• Encourage creativity and open-mindedness.
• Foster a supportive and positive environment.
• Focus on collaboration rather than competition.
• Celebrate all contributions, no matter how small or silly.

Enjoy the spontaneity and fun of Improvisation Games!