Quick Description
Start with a person taking a pose. One by one the players add a complementary pose until everyone in the group is used in one tableau. Players then take a new pose one by one.
How to Play
Have the group form smaller groups of 5 to 7 players each.
How to Play
Have the group form smaller groups of 5 to 7 players each.
The activity is non-verbal, which in this case means no talking.
Have the group form a line and count off so they each nave a number.
One player (Player #1) steps in and strikes a pose and remains in that position. The player does not need to know what the pose means, and they don’t explain it.
Another player (Player #2) steps in and strikes a pose that complements the first pose (a complementary pose)
Another player(Player #3) steps in and strikes a pose that complements the poses by the previous players.
This continues until everyone has taken a pose. Now everyone is posed in a group.
(Player #1) drops out, takes a look and now strikes a pose that complements what they now see. The posing continues in order with each player dropping out and re-posing themselves in their familiar order.
Once the group is comfortably playing, the coach can add music. The type of music you choose will affect the poses the players create.
Variations
Instead of a line each group forms a large circle with the players facing into the center of the circle. They step in randomly instead of in a predetermined order.
Notes
When the players step into the circle randomly they can work on the skill of stepping in when needed and challenging their own hesitations.
The coach can also say at some point after the groups have been going for a while “Maybe the different groups will connect physically at some point. Maybe they won’t.”
This is a good game for ensemble, collaboration and building on the ideas of others. The lack of conversation creates a sense of acceptance and can bolster confidence.
Origin
This game was taught to me by Regina Saisi at a coach game swap at BATS Improv. She learned it from Ted DesMaisons.
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