Ten Scenes in Ten Minutes: How to play Improv Games

I love using this game to get new students out of their heads, often before teaching even the most basic elements of scene and story telling, scattering students around the room, not performing, just talking, without pretense etc.

Staging:

Players scatter around the room or theater in groups of 2-4. Leave enough space between groups to avoid collisions.

Sample MC Set Up:

“Get ready to jump into a whirlwind of scenes! Every time I yell out a scenario or location, you and your group will instantly create a scene in that setting. Don’t overthink it – just dive in and have fun!”

Game Play:

1. Scenario Announcement: The MC/teacher calls out a location or scenario. Examples could be:
   • “You’re stuck in a broken elevator!”
   • “It’s the first day of school!”
   • “You’re on a deserted island!”
   • “You’re at a wild west saloon!”
   • “You’re in a haunted house!”
2. Jump into the Scene: Each group immediately starts a scene in the given location or scenario.
3. Bold Choices: Make clear and specific choices about your character (WHO), your relationship to others in the scene (HOW), the location (WHERE), and what’s happening (WHAT).
4. Keep It Short: Scenes should last about 30-60 seconds.
5. Rotate Partners: After every 3-4 rounds, the MC calls out “Switch!” and players find new partners or groups.

Tips:

• Simple and Clear: Keep your initial choices simple and easy to understand.
• Physicality: While avoiding overly physical scenes, use your body and voice to bring your character to life.
• Listen and React: Pay attention to your scene partners and respond to their offers.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Be Silly: This game is all about having fun and exploring different scenarios.
• Safety First: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid running or bumping into others.

Why This Game Works:

• Warm-Up and Energy: Gets everyone on their feet and engaged in the improv process.
• Idea Generation: Sparks creativity and helps players generate new scene ideas.
• Builds Confidence: Allows players to practice starting scenes without the pressure of being on stage.
• Encourages Collaboration: Forces players to work together quickly and efficiently.

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Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier has appeared on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.