Improv Games for Beginners: Fun and Easy Ways to Get Started
If you’ve never done improv, you might be wondering what on earth it’s all about and how you can jump in and get going right away. The good news is that improv is suitable for absolutely anyone, and even better it is totally collaborative. So whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to warm up your skills, grab a buddy and try this starter list of improv games for beginners.
1. 8 things: Quick Thinking on Your Feet
Looking for easy improv games that get you used to talking nonsense?Look no further! 8 things is a high-energy quickfire game that encourages quick thinking and letting go of the need to be perfect..
How to Play: one player asks the other to name 8 things in a given category (e.g., “8 things you find in the ocean”). The second player responds quickly with 8 items, regardless of whether they’re logical or silly, while both players clap and count after each response. Once 8 items are named, they both say ‘Those were 8 things!’ (with optional fist pumps) switch roles and repeat with a new category. The key is to keep it fast-paced and not worry too much about making sense.
This game is a fantastic way to get comfortable with tapping into your subconscious and getting comfortable with saying the first thing that comes into your head.
2. Zip, Zap, Boing: The Ultimate Warm-Up
Before diving into more complex improv games for beginners, you could warm up with a round of ‘Zip, Zap, Boing’. This game is great for a slightly larger group and is a super quick way to get everyone connected and laughing.
How to Play: Players stand in a circle and one player starts by saying “Zip” and pointing to someone next to them, passing the energy around the circle. At any point someone can interrupt the pattern and say “Zap” to point to someone across the circle, or “Boing” to deflect the energy back to the person who sent it. The game continues with quick passing, and players must respond immediately. I have been told this is also a drinking game. I advise against drinking and operating heavy improv machinery at the same time.
The goal of this game is to keep the rhythm going without hesitation. It’s a great way to build focus and teamwork, and laughter is encouraged.
3. One-Word Story: Collaborative Storytelling
One-Word Stories are one of the most fun improv exercises for beginners. In fact, this would be my desert island improv game. It’s all about building a story together, one word at a time.
How to Play: Each person adds one word to create a story, with the goal of making it as coherent and interesting as possible. For example:
- Player 1: “Once”
- Player 2: “upon”
- Player 1: “a”
- Player 2: “time,”
- Player 1: “there”
You can play this game in pairs or as a larger group by going round the circle. As well as stories you could try creating proverbs or answering interview questions on word at a time too.
This exercise is great for working with others as it’s a delicate balance of creating and discarding ideas to create something unique between you.
4. Yes, And…: The Foundation of Improv
One of the most beginner-friendly improv activities is the classic principle of “Yes, And…”. It’s not so much a game as a way of life! However a simple exercise that teaches this core principle of improv is as follows.
How to Play: Pair up with a partner. One person makes a statement, and the other responds with “Yes, and…” before adding new information. For example:
- Person A: “Let’s open a bakery together”
- Person B: “Yes, and we’ll specialize in unicorn-shaped cupcakes”
- Person A: “Yes, and we can market them to Unicorns”
- Person B: “Yes, and we’ll diversify into cupcakes for all mythical creatures”
Yes And is also sometimes called ‘Accept and Build’ – it’s a huge subject and you can find out more about it by listening to our podcast here.
Overall ‘Yes, and’ is about listening, agreeing, and adding to what is there—a must for any aspiring improviser.
5. Three-Line Scenes: Short and Sweet
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly improv activities that are quick and to the point, try Three-Line Scenes. This game is perfect for practicing the essentials of a scene without any pressure.
How to Play: Two players create a scene using the following three lines of dialogue (filling in the blanks)
- Player A: “Hello, I’m the _________” (name a profession or role)
- Player B: “I’m so glad you’re here________” (state a reason positive reason for that person to be there)
- Player A: “___________” (complete the scene with a third line that builds on the first two)
Here’s an example:
- Player A: “Hello, I’m the Fireman”
- Player B: “I’m so glad you’re here my kitten is stuck up that tree”
- Player A: “Don’t worry Tibbles, I’m coming to save you!”
This exercise helps you focus on the basics: establishing a relationship, a setting, and an action, all in just three lines.
6. Alphabet Game: A Fun Challenge
The Alphabet Game is a fun way to stretch your creative muscles and think on your feet. It’s a bit more advanced but still very much an easy improv game for beginners to try.
How to Play: Two players start a scene, but each line of dialogue must begin with the next letter of the alphabet. For example:
- Player A: “Apples are my favorite fruit.”
- Player B: “But oranges are better.”
- Player A: “Citrus is overrated.”
You can start on any letter of the alphabet and work your way round.If playing a scene is too much of a challenge, you could just try having a conversation with the same constraints.
The alphabet game introduces the idea of creative restriction which is a key skill in improv.
Ready to Play?
These improv games for beginners are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring the world of improv. They’re some of my favourites and I mention them here because they are all designed to be easy, fun, and inclusive,and a good way to just get stuck in. You might find them tricky at first but the qualities of improv (e.g spontaneity, creativity, and teamwork) are qualities that anyone can develop with a little practice.
Of course, if you’re eager to learn more, there are tons more free resources of improv games available online – Improv Encyclopedia is a great place to start but if you want to take it even further why not join one of our beginner-friendly improv activities at And Also Improv? 🙂 Our classes are filled with fun improv exercises that will help you grow as a performer while having a great time. Check out our Improv for Beginners page to find out more and book a free taster session.