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Perform improv

Perform improv
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Practice simple improv games with friends or family, create characters, build scenes, and improve listening, creativity, and quick-thinking through guided short performances.

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Step-by-step guide to perform improv games

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Improv Games - How to Play "Freeze Improv" - Teaching Improv (animated for kids and teens) 5 of 6

What you need
2 to 6 players, a few small props or costume pieces optional, adult supervision required, index cards or paper and a pen, open space to play, timer or phone with timer

Step 1

Ask 2 to 6 friends or family to join your improv game.

Step 2

Clear a small open area to be your performance space.

Step 3

Write several short scene prompts on index cards like a place a job or a silly situation.

Step 4

Set the timer for 1 to 2 minutes for each short scene.

Step 5

Do a 2-minute warm-up where each player adds one word to build a silly sentence.

Step 6

Pick the first pair or trio of players to perform next.

Step 7

Have the performers draw one prompt card and read it aloud.

Step 8

Let the performers quickly decide who their characters are and where the scene takes place.

Step 9

Perform the scene using the "Yes, and..." rule until the timer rings.

Step 10

Ask the watching players to give one specific compliment about the scene.

Step 11

Choose the next performers and give them a small prop or an emotion to include.

Step 12

Repeat the draw decide perform and compliment cycle with the new performers.

Step 13

Have everyone say one thing they liked or learned about playing improv tonight.

Step 14

Take a photo or write a short description of your favorite scene and share it on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of index cards, a timer, or small props if we don't have them?

If you don't have index cards, a timer, or small props, tear scrap paper or use sticky notes for the 'Write several short scene prompts on index cards' step, use your phone's stopwatch for the 1–2 minute timer, and repurpose household items like a hat, spoon, or stuffed toy as the small prop to give performers.

What should we do if performers freeze or the scene stalls during the 1–2 minute performance?

If performers freeze, pause briefly and remind them to use the 'Yes, and...' rule from the instructions, give a suggested character, location, or the next line, or restart momentum with the 2-minute warm-up word game so players can loosen up.

How can we adapt this improv game for younger children or older teens?

For younger children shorten scenes to 30–45 seconds, simplify prompts on the index cards to single words or familiar places and keep the warm-up very brief, while for older kids increase scene time to 2–3 minutes, add constraints like a specific emotion or prop in the 'Choose the next performers' step, or have them write and swap their own prompt cards.

How can we extend or personalize the activity after playing?

To extend and personalize the activity, create a costume/prop box for future rounds, compile favorite scenes into a short performance or photo carousel, and follow the final step to take a photo or write a description of your favorite scene to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to perform improv games

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Improv Games - How to Play "Tableau REWIND" - Teaching Improv (animated for kids and teens) 6 of 6

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Facts about improvisational theater for kids

⏱️ Improv games are often short (1–5 minutes), making them great for quick family practice or warm-ups.

🎭 Improv traces back to Commedia dell'arte in 16th-century Italy, where actors improvised stock characters and scenarios.

🎬 Many famous comedians and actors (like Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Steve Carell) began in improv troupes.

🧠 Practicing improv can boost quick-thinking, creativity, and active listening — skills useful on and off stage.

🤝 The improv mantra “Yes, and…” encourages accepting others' ideas and building on them to keep scenes alive.

How do I run a simple improv session for kids?

Start with a 5-minute warm-up (mirror game or breathing). Introduce one rule: accept and build on ideas (“Yes, and…”). Play 2–3 short games like One-Word Story, Freeze, or Emotion Switch. Give a simple prompt (e.g., “at a zoo”) and let pairs create 1–2 minute scenes. Rotate roles so everyone tries acting and prompting. End with a quick, positive group reflection to reinforce listening and creativity.

What materials do I need for kid-friendly improv games?

You need very little: an open, safe space and willing players. Optional materials: prompt cards or slips of paper, simple costume pieces or props (hats, scarves), a timer for short scenes, and a soft ball for warm-ups. A notebook for prompts and a phone to record performances are handy. Avoid complicated props—improv thrives on imagination and minimal setup.

What ages is this improv activity suitable for?

Improv can be adapted for many ages: toddlers (3–5) enjoy mirroring and animal sounds; early elementary (6–8) can do simple scenes and character games; upper elementary and teens (9–15+) handle longer scenes, character-building, and basic rules. Adjust complexity, time, and adult support: younger kids need shorter games and more guidance, while older kids can explore longer performances and leadership roles.

What are the benefits of practicing improv with children?

Improv boosts active listening, quick thinking, confidence, and empathy by encouraging children to respond to peers. It improves vocabulary, creative problem-solving, and teamwork while reducing performance anxiety through low-pressure practice. Regular short sessions also enhance social skills and emotional expression. Benefits appear in school presentations, conversations, and self-confidence—measure progress by noting increased participation and more inventive scene ideas.
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