Improv Games
Short form improvisation exercises that build spontaneity, creativity, and comfort with uncertainty.
Improv Games bring theatre techniques to team building, using structured improvisation exercises to develop creativity, spontaneity, and collaborative thinking. These games teach fundamental improv principles like "Yes, And" thinking, making your partner look good, and embracing failure. Through activities like word association, scene building, and character work, participants step out of their comfort zones in a supportive environment. Improv games are particularly effective for creative teams, innovation workshops, and building psychological safety.
Objective
Develop spontaneity, creative thinking, and collaborative spirit through improvisation.
- Open space for movement
- Optional: props or simple costumes
- List of improv games
How to Play
Establish Safety
5 minCreate a supportive environment. Explain core principles: Yes And (build on ideas), support partners, embrace mistakes. There are no wrong answers.
Warm-Up Game: Word Association
5 minStand in circle. One person says a word, next person immediately says first word that comes to mind. Go fast, no thinking!
Yes And Exercise
10 minPairs practice "Yes, And" - one proposes an idea, partner must say "Yes, and..." then add to it. Continue building for 2 minutes.
Scene Work
20 minTwo volunteers start a scene based on audience suggestion. They must accept everything their partner says/does and build on it.
Debrief Lessons
10 minDiscuss how Yes And thinking applies to work: accepting ideas, building collaboratively, supporting teammates.
Pro Tips
Model vulnerability by participating fully. Your energy sets the tone.
Make participation voluntary. Some can observe first, join later when comfortable.
Celebrate "failures" enthusiastically - they are essential to learning improv.
Variations
Try these variations to adapt the game for different contexts and group sizes.
Changes:
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