Our Favorite Warm up Games, Times Square Improv Comedy Classes

These are some fun games to break the ice and start any class, workshop or pre show ritual. Live form Times Square NYC and touring DC to Boston and beyond, we present comedy classes, corporate team building and k12 educational outreach.

Stop Walk

Staging:

Players simply stand up and listen for instructions.

Sample MC Set Up:

“We are going to work on the number one skill in comedy: LISTENING. All you need to do is focus and listen to the following simple instructions.

  • WALK: When I say “walk,” you can walk anywhere in this room (or walk in place if we’re crowded or working with a group that struggles with personal space). WALK for this game is energized, with purpose, but never out of control.
  • STOP: When I say “stop,” come to a full stop. Stand up straight, hands at your sides, eyes and ears focused on the next instruction.
  • Safety First: We are not allowed to touch any objects or other people unless absolutely necessary for safety. Instead, we’ll use eye contact and focus to communicate our intentions, especially when we’re about to cross paths with someone. Let’s be respectful of each other’s space.”

Game Play:

  1. Basic Instructions: Begin with the basic instructions of “STOP” and “WALK.” Ensure everyone understands and follows them accurately.
  2. Adding Actions: Gradually introduce new actions, two at a time. Make sure the group has a grasp on each pair before moving on.
    1. Clap/Hop
    1. Dab/Floss
    1. Jazz Hands/Robot Dance
    1. (Be creative and add your own fun actions!)
  3. Opposite Day: Once everyone is comfortable with the basic actions, introduce “Opposite Day.”
    1. Start with just “WALK” meaning “stop” and “STOP” meaning “walk.”
    1. Then, alternate with other instructions, like “CLAP” meaning “hop” and “HOP” meaning “clap.”

Tips:

  • Clear Instructions: Give clear, concise instructions and demonstrate each action.
  • Gradual Progression: Start with simple commands and gradually increase the complexity.
  • Variety: Keep the game engaging by incorporating a variety of actions and variations.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Praise players for their focus and attentiveness.
  • Fun Factor: Keep the energy light and playful. Laugh at mistakes and encourage everyone to enjoy themselves.

Why This Game Works:

  • Enhances Listening Skills: Players must pay close attention to the instructions to avoid being out.
  • Improves Focus and Concentration: The game requires players to be present and aware of their surroundings.
  • Develops Quick Thinking: Players must react quickly to changing instructions.
  • Promotes Physical Awareness: The different actions encourage body awareness and coordination.
  • Creates a Fun and Supportive Environment: The game is lighthearted and encourages laughter, helping to build trust and connection within the group.

Zip Zap Zup

Staging:

Players stand in a circle.

Sample MC Set Up:

“Everyone stand in a circle. On the count of three, clap once. 1-2-3. Now clap, scuff your foot forward, point, and make eye contact with anyone in the circle. 1-2-3. Now do all that and say ZIP! 1-2-3. Then ZAP! 1-2-3. Now ZUP! 1-2-3.“

Game Play:

First, a few things all players must consider when playing simple energy-passing games like Zip Zap Zup:

  • When it’s not your turn, follow the game play with your eyes. LISTEN with your eyes with 100% focus on the game.
  • When it’s your turn, simply accept the offer and pass it on. As you do, send ALL your energy and hyper-focus to one player. Make eye contact, point, and even reach out from within, sending all your focus and energy to the next player.

Specifically for this game:

  • Player One: Claps, scuffs their foot forward, points at another player, and says, “ZIP!” (with full energy so all can hear, and with great diction).
  • The Next Player: Does the same action and says, “ZAP!”
  • The Third Player: Says, “ZUP!” (or ZOP, BOP, or any other established variation you like to play).

The Key:

  • HAVE FUN!!! If someone messes up, who cares? If you mess up, who cares? Stay focused, follow the game, and when it’s your turn, EXPLODE with energy, clearly passing it to the next player.
  • Mistakes are part of the game! Laugh them off, keep the energy high, and get back into the rhythm.

Variations:

  • Speed: Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as the group gets comfortable.
  • Direction Changes: A player can say “ZIP ZAP” to reverse the direction of the game.
  • ZAP ZAP: A player can say “ZAP ZAP” to skip the next person in the circle.

Why This Game Works:

  • Builds Focus and Energy: Requires players to be present and attentive.
  • Encourages Teamwork: Creates a sense of shared rhythm and connection.
  • Promotes Fun: The simple rules and silliness make it enjoyable for all ages.

Harukasan

Staging:

Players stand in a circle.

Sample MC Set Up:

“Let’s start by passing energy around the circle. Point your right hand across your body to the left and make a simple guttural sound. (Continue all around the circle, ending with the MC being blocked.)

Now let’s pass the energy back the other way with our left hand across our body (we do this to avoid smacking folks in the face) to the right. (Continue all around the circle, ending with the MC being blocked again.)

Now I want the two of you (pointing to players on either side) to block me. When I pass energy your way, raise the palm of your hand towards me and make an even bigger sound of rejection. Okay, I’m stuck! The only move I have left is to unleash the all-powerful HARUKASAN! (Gather energy, balling it up into your ‘chi’ center.) This is the Dragon Ball Z of Improv Comedy!

Using both hands, send all the energy of the room across, hyper-focused on one player with your eyes and body, and say, with full projection and diction, HARUKASAN!”

Game Play:

There are three basic moves in this game:

  1. PASS: Point your hand across your body (left or right, depending on the direction of the game) and make a simple guttural sound.
  2. BLOCK: Raise your hand and make an even bigger sound of rejection, sending the energy back in the opposite direction.
  3. HARUKASAN: Gather all the energy in the room, then focus on one player with your eyes and body, thrusting both hands towards them and yelling “HARUKASAN!”

Additional Notes:

  • Hyper Focus: Every pass should be laser-focused on the person you want to receive the energy.
  • Follow the Energy: When it’s not your turn, track the game’s progress with your eyes.
  • The Power of Harukasan: A Harukasan can break a block and change the direction of the game.
  • Building Intensity: As the game progresses, encourage players to increase the energy and volume of their passes, blocks, and Harukasans.

Why This Game Works:

  • Energetic and Engaging: The physicality and vocalizations make it a lively warm-up.
  • Builds Focus and Concentration: Players must be present and aware of the game’s flow.
  • Creates Group Connection: The shared energy and focus foster a sense of teamwork.
  • Releases Tension and Inhibitions: The loud vocalizations and exaggerated movements encourage players to let go and have fun.

Whoosh

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“Let’s play WHOOSH! The most important part of this game is following the energy around the circle with your eyes. Let’s start by simply passing a whoosh to the left. (Demonstrate and continue around the circle.) Now let’s whoosh to the right.”

Game Play:

There’s no one way to play Whoosh. Feel free to invent new ways to pass the energy and heighten the fun. Here are a few moves we’ve added over the years:

  • WHOOSH: Shovel the energy with both hands to the player immediately to your left or right, making a “WHOOSH” sound.
  • BONK: Smash one fist into your palm and exclaim “BONK!” This reverses the flow of the whoosh.
  • RAMP: Point both hands over the head of the next player, saying “RAMP!” That player ducks and screams in a goofy but semi-realistic way to avoid a car jumping over them. The energy skips that player and passes to the next.
  • PIZZA: Pantomime passing a pizza across the circle.
  • SPIDERMAN: Shoot out imaginary web-slingers, exclaiming “SPIDERMAN! FWOOP FWOOP!” (Each “FWOOP” is a web shooting from your wrists). You and the player across the circle are elastically drawn to each other and switch positions in the circle.
  • BOOTYLICIOUS: Yell “BOOTYLICIOUS!” and EVERYONE in the circle gets funky, club-style, and busts a move. After 2-3 beats, whoosh the energy along.

Additional Moves (Feel free to add your own!):

  • Ninja: Throw ninja stars across the circle with a “whoosh” sound.
  • Super Saiyan: Channel your inner Goku and blast a Kamehameha wave across the circle.
  • Disco Fever: Bust out your best disco moves while passing the energy.

Important Notes:

  • Eye Contact: Always maintain eye contact with the person you’re passing the energy to.
  • Energy and Enthusiasm: Pass the energy with gusto! Make it big, loud, and fun.
  • Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment with new moves and variations.

Why This Game Works:

  • Warm-Up and Focus: Gets players physically and mentally engaged.
  • Group Bonding: Creates a sense of shared fun and excitement.
  • Encourages Creativity and Spontaneity: Allows players to express themselves through movement and sound.
  • Builds Trust and Communication: Requires players to be attentive and responsive to each other.

 

Imaginary Balls

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“This is an orange ball. (Pantomime holding a ball) This ball will stay the same size, weight, and color throughout the game. Start by making eye contact with someone else in the circle, then say ‘THIS IS AN ORANGE,’ and THEN pass it. The receiving player catches the SAME ball and says ‘THANK YOU, ORANGE BALL.’”

Game Play:

  • The Leader Creates: The leader (or teacher) has the power to create new balls. Each ball will have a unique size, color, and weight.
  • Nonverbal Connection: When you hold a ball, don’t say a word until you have connected with another player using only your eyes and body language.
  • Announce and Pass: Always ANNOUNCE the ball clearly before throwing it. Rushing this process will result in lost balls or changing balls. Your sole purpose is to clearly communicate what you are passing, words matching your movement.
  • Active Receiving: When you don’t have a ball, your job is to look for a ball holder who needs a receiver. Your job is to support. Catch the SAME ball thrown, matching the energy and movement of the thrower. No need to overact; precision is best. And finish by saying “THANK YOU.”
  • End Game: Eventually, the leader collects all the balls (Walter pantomimes eating them).

Physical Body Language:

  • Size: Show the size of the ball through your hand and arm positions.
  • Weight: Convey the weight of the ball through your posture and the effort you put into throwing or catching.
  • Texture: Imagine the texture of the ball (smooth, rough, sticky, etc.) and let that affect your handling of it.
  • Emotional Connection: Treat the ball as if it has meaning or significance to your character. Maybe it’s a precious gift, a family heirloom, or a sports trophy.

Additional Tips:

  • Vary the Balls: Introduce different types of balls (beach ball, bowling ball, medicine ball, etc.) to add variety and challenge.
  • Get Creative: Encourage players to be imaginative with their throws and catches (e.g., underhand toss, overhand throw, bounce pass, etc.).
  • Focus on Teamwork: Emphasize the importance of supporting each other and working together to keep all the balls in play.
  • Have Fun! This game is about playful interaction and exploring physicality. Encourage laughter and enjoyment.

Why This Game Works:

  • Warms Up the Body: Gets players moving and engaging their physicality.
  • Enhances Focus and Awareness: Requires players to be present and attentive to their surroundings.
  • Develops Nonverbal Communication: Encourages players to express themselves through movement and body language.
  • Builds Trust and Connection: Promotes cooperation and teamwork within the group.

 

One Word Story, One Sentence Story, and More

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“We will now tell a story, as a team, ONE WORD AT A TIME.”

Game Play:

  • Follow the Story: Listen intently as the story moves around the circle. Use your eyes to track who has the “story ball.”
  • Your Turn: When it’s your turn, make eye contact with the person passing you the story.
  • Say the First Word: Say the first word that comes to mind. Don’t overthink it or try to be funny. Trust your instincts.
  • Pass It On: Make eye contact with the next player and say your word clearly.

Variations:

  • One Sentence Story: Each player contributes a full sentence instead of just one word.
  • Yes, And… Story: Each player starts their sentence with “Yes, and…” This encourages agreement and builds on the previous idea. (Remember, “Yes, and… but” is a hidden “no”!)
  • Trait Plate: Developed by Andrea Hernandez Mieres during Zoom classes to combat short sentences, each player now plays a unique character. During each turn, add one new detail about your character, then offer a new detail about the next player’s character. This adds depth and complexity to the story.

Why These Games Work:

  • Collaboration: Players must work together to create a coherent and engaging story.
  • Listening Skills: Encourages active listening and building on each other’s ideas.
  • Spontaneity and Creativity: Promotes quick thinking and imaginative responses.
  • Character Development: In variations like Trait Plate, players get to explore and embody different characters.
  • Fun and Laughter: The unpredictable nature of the stories often leads to hilarious moments.

Tips:

  • Embrace Mistakes: There are no wrong answers in these games. Mistakes can lead to unexpected and interesting turns in the story.
  • Don’t Be Afraid of Silence: A pause can create suspense or allow for a new idea to emerge.
  • Vary the Pace: Sometimes a slow, deliberate pace can build tension, while a faster pace can create excitement.
  • Use Your Imagination: Don’t limit yourself to the obvious. Let your creativity flow and see where the story takes you.

 

Ninja

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“This is a knife. (Pantomime holding a knife by its tip). I’m going to hurl this at another player’s face, square between the eyes. Your job is to catch the knife with a hand clap right in front of your face.”

Game Play:

  • Knife Throwing: Pass an imaginary knife around the circle for a few rounds. Focus on the physicality of the throw and catch. When you see the knife as real, the audience will too.
  • The Perfect Catch: When two players truly connect, you can almost see the knife travel through the air.
  • Changing the Object: At some point, the leader can change the object. Maybe it’s a baby? Pass a baby more gently (and definitely don’t catch it with a violent clap!).
  • Player’s Choice: Eventually, let each player choose their own object to pass. Catch the object thrown to you first, completing that transaction and giving full respect to the player’s creation.
  • Transformation: After catching the object, collapse it into a ball of clay or molten metal in your hands. Mold, compress, stretch it, or otherwise create a new object. Name it and pass it on.

Additional Tips:

  • Vary the Throws: Experiment with different throwing styles (underhand, overhand, sidearm, etc.).
  • Focus on Precision: Aim for a clean catch every time.
  • Be Creative with Objects: Encourage players to come up with unique and unexpected objects to pass.
  • Use Sound Effects: Add sound effects to enhance the illusion of the objects (e.g., “swoosh” for a knife, “gurgle” for a baby).
  • Play with Emotions: Let your facial expressions and body language reflect the nature of the object you’re throwing or catching (e.g., fear for a knife, tenderness for a baby).

Why This Game Works:

  • Physical Warm-Up: Engages players’ bodies and gets them moving.
  • Focus and Concentration: Requires precision and awareness of others in the circle.
  • Creativity and Imagination: Encourages players to think outside the box and create unique objects.
  • Teamwork: Builds trust and connection as players rely on each other to catch and pass objects safely.
  • Fun and Laughter: The absurdity of throwing and transforming imaginary objects can be hilarious.

 

Walk With Me

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“I’m now going to walk around this circle. If I say to you ‘WALK WITH ME,’ you will join me for a loop, imitating my exact movement.”

Game Play:

  1. Leader Demonstrates: The leader (or teacher) starts by walking around the circle with a unique and exaggerated walk.
  2. Invitation to Walk: The leader stops in front of a player and says, “WALK WITH ME.”
  3. Imitation: The chosen player joins the leader, mimicking their walk as precisely as possible for one full loop around the circle.
  4. Switch Roles: After completing the loop, the chosen player takes the leader’s place and the leader joins the circle.
  5. New Walk: The new leader creates a new and different walk, continuing the game.

Additional Tips:

  • Have Fun and Be Creative: Encourage players to let loose and have fun with their walks. The sillier, the better!
  • Start with the Breath: When imitating another’s walk, begin by mirroring their breathing pattern. This helps to synchronize your movements.
  • Focus on the Upper Body: Next, match their posture, arm swing, and head movements.
  • Finally, the Feet: Pay attention to the way they step, the length of their stride, and the rhythm of their walk.
  • Safety First: Remind players to be mindful of others in the circle and avoid bumping into each other.

Why This Game Works:

  • Physical Warm-Up: Engages the body and loosens up muscles.
  • Observation Skills: Encourages players to pay close attention to detail and mimic movements accurately.
  • Creativity and Expression: Provides a platform for playful exploration and self-expression.
  • Builds Confidence: Allows players to step outside their comfort zone and try new things in a supportive environment.
  • Group Connection: Creates laughter and shared experience as players try to match each other’s silly walks.

For Fun Reference:

Check out the classic “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch by Monty Python for inspiration!

 

Big Booty

Staging:

Players stand in a circle or oval, ensuring no one is directly in front of or behind another.

Sample MC Set Up:

“We’re going to play Big Booty, a rhythm game that tests your focus and coordination. One of you will be the ‘Big Booty.’ The rest of you, going clockwise, will be numbered 1, 2, 3, and so on. Big Booty, step forward.”

(Once Big Booty is identified, the MC explains the game and rhythm):

“Big Booty, your job is to establish a steady rhythm by saying ‘Big Booty, Big Booty, Big Booty,’ with a rest on the fourth beat. Let’s practice that together. (Lead the group through the rhythm until everyone has it.)

Now, Big Booty, you’ll pass the game to someone else in the circle by saying ‘Big Booty to (their number).’ For example, ‘Big Booty to 7.’ This takes two beats, one for saying ‘Big Booty’ and one for the number.

Number 7 would then pass it on in two beats, saying something like ‘7 to 2.’ The game continues like this until someone makes a mistake. When that happens, everyone says ‘Oh Shit!’ on two beats. Then we restart the rhythm with Big Booty saying ‘Big Booty, Big Booty, Big Booty’ twice. The person who made the mistake becomes the new Big Booty, and everyone’s number changes accordingly. Let’s get started!”

Game Play:

  1. Big Booty Sets the Rhythm: Big Booty starts the game by establishing the four-beat rhythm: “Big Booty, Big Booty, Big Booty” (rest).
  2. Passing the Beat: Big Booty passes the game to another player by saying “Big Booty to (number)” in two beats.
  3. Continuing the Rhythm: The numbered player continues the rhythm by saying their number, then “to (another number)” in two beats.
  4. Mistakes and Reset: If someone makes a mistake (wrong rhythm, wrong number, etc.), everyone says “Oh Shit!” on two beats. Then the rhythm restarts with the new Big Booty leading.

Additional Tips:

  • Clarity and Speed: Emphasize clear pronunciation and a consistent rhythm.
  • Focus and Listening: Players must actively listen to know when it’s their turn and who to pass to.
  • Mistakes are Fun: Encourage a playful attitude towards mistakes. They’re part of the game!
  • Variations:
    • Clap Along: Players can clap on each beat to reinforce the rhythm.
    • Add Actions: Incorporate gestures or movements with each pass to make it more engaging.

Why This Game Works:

  • Rhythm and Focus: Develops a sense of rhythm and improves concentration.
  • Quick Thinking: Requires players to react quickly and make decisions on the spot.
  • Group Cohesion: Creates a shared experience and fosters teamwork.
  • Laughter and Fun: The fast pace and potential for silly mistakes lead to lots of laughter.