At New York Improv Theater, we believe that laughter is a powerful tool for learning, and improv games are an incredible way to bring that energy into any classroom. We often work with teachers, sharing techniques that not only make lessons more engaging but also cultivate essential life skills in students. Whether you’re looking to kick off the day with a burst of enthusiasm or simply foster a more connected and focused environment, these ten improv games are fantastic icebreakers and warm-ups that you can easily integrate into your routine. Get ready to see your students enhance focus and presence, boost communication and connection, and foster a lighthearted atmosphere—all through the joy of play! We use the same games for corporate training as well as professional development for teachers / staff. HAVE FUN!!!
1. Zip, Zap, Zup
This high-energy game is fantastic for focus and quick reactions. Players stand in a circle. One person starts by clapping and pointing to another player, saying “Zip.” That person immediately turns to someone new and says “Zap,” and so on. If a player says “Zup,” they reverse the direction of the “Zip” or “Zap.” The goal is to keep the flow going quickly and playfully, enhancing focus and presence.
- REMEMBER OUR #1 RULE:
HAVE FUN BUT NEVER AT ANOTHER’S EXPENSE - REMEMBER THE #1 RULE IN IMPROV:
ALWAYS SAY “YES! AND…” - REMEMBER THE #1 SKILL IN COMEDY / LIFE:
LISTENING WITH YOUR EYES!
2. WHOOSH
This is a dynamic, full-group game that builds energy and awareness. Players stand in a circle, close enough to easily pass an imaginary “energy” around. One person starts by holding their hands out to one side and sweeping them across their body to the other side, saying “WHOOSH” as they pass the energy to the person next to them. That person immediately receives it and passes it on in the same direction. Variations include: BONK, where a player slams their hands together to immediately reverse the direction of the energy; PIZZA, where a player holds out an imaginary pizza slice towards anyone across the circle, passing the energy to them; and SPIDER-MAN, where a player shoots imaginary webs towards another player across the circle, causing both to quickly swap places. This game is fantastic for fostering a lighthearted atmosphere and enhancing focus and presence.
3. Harukasan
This dynamic game, played standing in a circle, is all about focused energy and reactions. It starts with players passing an imaginary energy left or right by pointing their hand across their body and making a guttural sound. The three main moves are: PASS, where you send the energy to the person next to you with a simple sound and a focused hand movement; BLOCK, where you raise your hand and make a louder sound to reject the energy, sending it back in the opposite direction; and the powerful HARUKASAN. For “Harukasan,” one player gathers all the room’s energy into their core (think a “Dragon Ball Z” power-up), then with full projection and diction, sends it across the circle to a single, hyper-focused player, shouting “HARUKASAN!” Everyone else should follow the energy with their eyes, staying engaged even when it’s not their turn. This game excels at enhancing focus and presence, while also fostering a lighthearted atmosphere.
We use these games almost daily to teach k12 students improv comedy, but more importantly, simply playing these games develops listening, focus, self-confidence, creativity, critical thinking, public speaking, community, leadership & more! This summer we have 8 teaching artists delivering daily classes via residencies at schools & summer camps. Meanwhile other casts are popping in for a day of shows & workshops DC to Boston. Bring these programs to your community! EMAIL for more information!
4. Imaginary Balls
A wonderfully versatile game that gets creativity flowing. Players stand in a circle. One person mimes having an imaginary ball and passes it to another, naming the kind of ball it is (e.g., “Here’s a bowling ball!”). The receiver then physically reacts to that specific type of ball (e.g., struggles to lift it) before passing it on as a new kind of ball. This can evolve into throwing different types of imaginary objects, encouraging physical embodiment and boosting communication and connection.
5. Group Juggle
This classic game is a fantastic way to get everyone energized and focused. Have the group stand in a circle. One person starts by tossing a soft ball (or imaginary ball) to someone else, making eye contact and saying their name. That person then tosses it to someone new, and so on, until everyone has received the “ball” once. The goal is to establish a pattern. Once the pattern is set, challenge the group to speed it up or add more “balls” to the juggle!
6. Count to 20
This seemingly simple game requires a high level of group focus and non-verbal communication. The group stands in a circle. The goal is to count from 1 to 20, with each number spoken by a different person. However, if more than one person speaks a number simultaneously, the group must start over from 1. This game really enhances focus and presence.
Why should the kids have all the fun? Improvisation is a powerful tool for corporate groups. We daily use improv to teach team building, leadership, sales and service skills. Bring your teams to our Times Square Theater or bring our teaching artists to you offices or other venue of choice. EMAIL for more information!
7. Zip, Zap, Boing
A fast-paced verbal and physical game that’s great for quick reactions and energy. Players stand in a circle. The first player claps their hands together and sends a “Zip” to the person next to them by turning and pointing. That person immediately sends a “Zip” to the next person. A player can also say “Zap” and send the energy across the circle to anyone they choose. “Boing” reverses the direction of the “Zip.” This game helps foster a lighthearted atmosphere.
8. Categories of Eight
This inclusive game is all about quick thinking and group acceptance. Each participant is given a category (like “things you find in a kitchen” or “types of trees”) and has to come up with eight items that fit that category. The rest of the group’s role is simple: they count off each item as the person says it, whether it truly belongs in the category or not. This creates a wonderfully supportive environment, boosting communication and connection by fostering inclusion and acceptance of everyone’s ideas. It also helps to enhance focus and presence as players listen carefully to both the categories and the items being listed.
9. Walk With Me
This active and engaging game gets everyone moving and observing! Players stand in a circle or oval, spaced so no one is directly in front of or behind another. One person, acting as the leader, begins by walking around the circle. When they stop in front of someone and say, “WALK WITH ME,” that person joins them for a full loop, imitating the leader’s exact movement. The leader encourages creativity and silliness in their walk. After the loop, the leader takes the follower’s place in the circle, and the follower becomes the new leader, creating their own unique walk for a solo lap before inviting someone else to “WALK WITH ME.” This game truly enhances focus and presence through observation and imitation, boosts communication and connection as players physically engage with each other’s movements, and naturally fosters a lighthearted atmosphere.
10. What Are You Doing?
A fun and active game that encourages quick thinking. One person mimes an activity (e.g., brushing their teeth). Another person approaches them and asks, “What are you doing?” The first person responds by naming an entirely different activity than what they’re miming (e.g., “I’m swimming”). The second person then mimes the new activity that was just named, and the game continues.
Join us for weekly shows, classes and jams. We daily host corporate teams and student groups at our Times Square NYC theater as well as tour schools, community centers, and private events DC to Boston to Pittsburg and beyond! CLICK HERE for upcoming public shows. CLICK HERE for upcoming classes & jams. EMAIL for information regarding private shows & group sales.
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