- Number of
Participants: 4 and up
- Age Level:
Any
- Source: Mick
Lauer, The 7th Sign Theatre
Company, New York, NY
- Uses: focus,
creating group synergy
- Mick
Lauer submitted this traditional theatre game, which I remember
playing in my undergraduate acting classes. I'm looking forward
to using this game again! Mick suggests that everyone lie
on the ground, but if your group is a bit on the reserved
side, this could easily be done sitting or standing.
- - Katherine
Burke, Director of InterPlay: Interactive Theatre for Dialogue
Everyone lies
on the ground in a circle, with their heads toward the center.
It is not necessary that they should touch, but if the group
is comfortable enough, it adds a fun, bonding element if the
participants are shoulder to shoulder.
Then without
any signal, the group begins counting from 1 to 15 (the number
can increase as the group's dynamic grows stronger), one at a
time, in no particular order. The catch is that no one can speak
at the same time.
The range of
results is always entertaining. Often, a group will spend several
rounds unable to count past 3 or 4. Then, after the laughter
subsides, the group can often count far beyond the set goal.
This game is
a great warm-up for any age and before any activity. Frequently,
kids and adults will have a lot on their minds before coming
to a rehearsal or class, and this is a great way to clear their
minds and get them all on the same page.
Be aware of....
- If the group
begins counting around the circle in succession, remind the
group that the counting order should be random.
- If two people
begin to take over the whole exercise, trading off numbers,
remind the group that everyone should participate.
Commend the
group on finding the loopholes, especially if it happens organically
and without planning. |
