Quick Description
To Play the pass it along improv game, have the players line up all facing the same direction. The last person in line is given an activity/task to do (mime or mimic) in secret. For example: Build a snowman. They tap the person in front of them that person turns around then the first person does the action. That person taps the next person in line and repeats the action exactly as they saw it. This pattern continues until then end.
How to Play
Have everyone stand in a line all facing the same direction.
The person in charge gives the first person a physical activity to mimic (like building a snowman). This information is not shared with the rest of the group.
They tap the person in front of them on the shoulder, that person turns around, and the first person does the action without words.
The second person then taps the person in front of them on the shoulder and repeats the action as best they can. And so on and so forth. Until everyone has passed on the action.
It is fun to see how it changes from beginning to end.
Like a game of telephone, but with a physical action. The action will always turn into something absurd.
Notes
As each person in line finishes they become the audience. It’s fun to watch the action change.
You could debrief this activity for relevance for the group.
- We often believe we communicate fully.
- Language is very important to communication.
- Non-verbal communication can be easily misunderstood
- [what else?]
List of activities
- Build a snowman
- Wash a car
- Put on a coat and button it up
- Decorating a Christmas Tree
- (Please add your thoughts in the comments below- thank you)
Variations
There is a similar game played in s circle. [I’ll have to write it up.] The main difference is it starts with a simple movement and sound. Everyone watches…and enjoys the evolution of the sound and movement.
French Telephone is a similar game also played in a circle. (link here to the description of French Telephone. But I have to write it first.)
Origin
I learned this from the Reddit thread r/improv
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