16.3. Warming Up and Generating Group Energy

The next three exercises set the right tone at the beginning of an improv workshop or group session. The job of the facilitator is to keep the experience light and fun so participants begin to relax, feel at ease, and take risks.

16.3.1. Exercise 1. Learning Names

This is a great opening activity to help participants learn one another's names and build confidence for subsequent exercises. This works for groups of up to 15 people.

16.3.1.1. Instructions

Participants stand in a circle. The exercise is conducted in rounds, each of which requires participants to be increasingly alert and attentive. Do as many rounds as you feel the group can do without getting bored. Rounds do not have to occur in a ...

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