This improv exercise originally comes from the work of Keith Johnstone. Geoff and I picked up the exercise from an improv workshop with Neil Mullarkey of the Comedy Store Players, in London. Timings: 5-10 mins Materials: 2 people (standing up) Instructions: The pair must tell a story about something imaginary they did together, but one of the pair can only interact with the story by…
Thirty-Five
I was introduced to this technique by Xavier Quesada Allue who told me he learned it from Tobias Mayer. A reference to this can also be found in Jean Tabaka’s book: Collaboration Explained (p207) entitled “Pass The Cards” Timing: 10-15 minutes Materials: A minimum of 8 people, and an even number of people Anything that you want to prioritise, written on separate cards One card…
Story Spines
Simon Bennett generously introduced us to this game during the Scrum Trainers Retreat in Amsterdam in 2010. It is a common improv game Timing: 15 minutes Materials: 6 Chairs Pre-prepared index cards with story element structures (See below) Instructions: Preparation Set out 6 chairs in a row from left to right On chair 1 place an index card with the following words: “Once upon a…
Once Upon A Time In Legoland
This exercise was co-created as part of a collaboration day between myself and Paul Goddard Timing: 60 minutes Materials: A lot of Lego (Optional) A Digital Camera and Photo printer Instructions: Preparation Ask the group to come up with: a person from history, a colour and an object. Construct a title out of these e.g. The story of Napoleon and the yellow pillow Set the…
Movements of a Hypnotic Nature
This exercise was graciously and generously shared with the Scrum training community by Brent Barton back in 2007 Timing: 60-90 minutes Materials: Play-doh, rubber bands, golf balls, golf tees and rulers Instructions: I need a new product for my unique company called “Movements of a Hypnotic Nature.” You have been selected as participants because of your skill and past performance. I want each team to…