A warm up improv game for collaboration and spontaneity
Quick Description
Players create tableaus by adding themselves as elements to a scene, each declaring their role in the tableau. It starts with “I am a tree.” No dialogue required, just pure imagination and creativity.
A tableau is when people freeze in poses to create a scene, like a living picture. It’s like being a statue that tells a story without moving or talking.
How to Play
Start: Have the players stand in a circle with plenty of space in the middle.
Starting the Tableau: One player steps forward into the center of the circle, strikes a pose, and declares what they are (e.g., “I am a tree”).
Building the Scene: Another player enters, adds themselves to the tableau, and declares their role (e.g., “I am a bird in the tree”). A third player then joins, adding another element (e.g., “I am the nest in the tree”).
Evolving the Tableau: Once the tableau consists of three elements, the player who initiated it leaves, taking one other player with them. (e.g., The player who started as the tree says, “I’ll take the nest in the tree”).
Starting a New Round: The remaining player re-declares their role from the previous tableau (e.g., “I am a bird in the tree”)., and two new players step forward one at a time to build a new tableau around that element.
Repeat the Pattern: This pattern continues, building a new tableau from the remaining element.
Notes
This game is wonderful for fostering creativity and teamwork without the pressure of dialogue or performance. The tableaus are never judged, allowing players to freely explore their ideas without fear of critique. The game is built on a pattern that may take a little time to master, so patience with yourself and your group is key. Embrace the process, and you’ll find the rhythm together.
Start in a circle or start with a straight line.
I love changing the objective after we’ve played for a while. Instead of stepping into the tableau when you have a good idea, step in when you recognize that someone needs to join. In other words, step into the tableau because the player already there needs support. We’ve all experienced that feeling of being stranded on stage, waiting for someone to step forward.
Variations
Themed Tableaus: Introduce a theme (e.g., “forest,” “cityscape,” or “fantasy world”) to guide the creation of tableaus and add a cohesive element to the scenes.
Speed Round: Challenge players to build the tableaus more quickly, adding a dynamic energy to the game.
Smaller Group: Divide the players into smaller groups. Keep making them smaller until they work in groups of 3.
Silent Tableau: Add a rule where players must maintain absolute silence while creating the tableau, focusing purely on physicality and presence.
Origin
I learned this game in the 2003 when I was part of a group of improvisers teaching graduate students at the University of Texas. I’m not certain who taught it to me.
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