Zip-Zap-Zop

• Number of Participants: 8-20
• Age Level: Any
• Source: Traditional Theatre Game
• Uses: Quick thinking, group cohesion, warm-up, teamwork

Everyone stands in a circle. One person quickly claps and points at another, while saying "zip." The person who received the "zip" then claps and points at another, while saying "zap." That person then claps and points to someone while saying "zop." The pattern continues, "zip, zap, zop, zip, zap, zop...."

The goal is to pass the words and energy around as quickly as possible, which is harder than it seems. Many theatre companies use this as a warm-up before going on stage, to establish teamwork and to encourage quick thinking. If you use this with a group of students, you may find that it takes several tries to get into the rhythm of the game. Don't give up! Eventually, the group will begin to go at lightning speed.

Some people use this as an "elimination" game... if someone stalls or says "zop" when she should say "zip," she is out. I don't particularly like elimination games, and I choose not to use this one as such an activity, particularly because the game is likely to go on for quite a while, and several people who were eliminated may be left standing around for some time.

I have used this game with children of all ages, from age 6 to 60. It gets the juices flowing!