Players: 4+
Best For: Quick thinking, physicality, pivoting, and scene changes

How to Play

1. Two players begin an improvised scene. Start simple and commit to the moment.

2. At any time, someone from the side yells “Freeze!”

3. The players onstage freeze exactly where they are.

4. The new player taps out one actor, takes their physical position, and starts a completely new scene inspired by the frozen body positions.

5. The remaining actor joins the new reality and says “yes” to the new idea.

6. Play continues until someone else yells “Freeze!”

The Goal

Don’t try to be funny. Make something happen. Commit to the new reality, justify strange positions, and support your scene partner.

Quick Tips

• Use the frozen pose as inspiration. (“Why are we in this position?”)

• Start the new scene quickly — no overthinking.

• Make bold choices and commit.

• Say yes to what your partner offers.

• Keep scenes moving; don’t stay stuck too long.

IMPROVactive Reminder: Listen. Agree. Add. Support. Commit.

Players: 3+ (2 scene players and 1 “Director”)
Best For: Flexibility, pivoting, commitment, and storytelling

How to Play

1. Two players begin an improvised scene. Start simple and make something happen.

2. At any moment, the Director may stop the scene by calling “Cut!”

3. The Director gives a new instruction or adjustment. Examples:

   • Change the genre (western, horror, soap opera, sci-fi)

   • Change the emotion (angry, excited, nervous, dramatic)

   • Replay the moment differently

   • Raise the stakes or make the situation more important

4. The actors immediately continue the scene using the new direction.

5. The Director may interrupt as often as needed to keep the scene evolving.

The Goal

Stay flexible and commit fully to every adjustment. Don’t resist the change — embrace it and build from it.

Quick Tips

• Commit immediately to the new direction.

• Keep the core relationship or situation clear.

• Make bold choices instead of small changes.

• Support your partner’s new ideas.

• Don’t stop to think — react and play.

IMPROVactive Reminder: Listen. Agree. Add. Support. Commit.

Players: 2+
Best For: Pivoting, emotional shifts, storytelling, and adaptability

How to Play

1. One player starts with a simple situation.
   Example: “We inherited a house.”

2. Players take turns adding to the story using “Fortunately…” and “Unfortunately…”

3. Every third line, someone must pivot the scene by suddenly changing the emotion, objective, relationship, or meaning of the story.

4. The pivot should deepen or redirect the story — not just add another joke or obstacle.

5. Continue building together and adapt to every change.

The Goal

Learn to pivot when the story changes unexpectedly. Great improv happens when players stop forcing one idea and respond to what the moment becomes.

Quick Tips

• Make real shifts, not tiny changes.

• Pivot the emotion, goal, or relationship when possible.

• Let the story become meaningful, strange, dramatic, or heartfelt.

• Accept the new direction and build on it.

• Don’t chase jokes — chase truth and connection.

Example

Player 1: “Fortunately, we inherited a house.”
Player 2: “Unfortunately, it’s haunted.”
Player 3: “Fortunately, we could probably sell it.”

PIVOT:
Player 1: “But actually… I don’t want to leave. This is where Dad taught me to fish.”

Player 2: “Unfortunately, none of us have talked about Dad since the funeral.”
Player 3: “Fortunately, maybe staying here gives us a chance to fix that.”

IMPROVactive Reminder: Listen. Agree. Add. Support. Commit.

Players: 3+ (2 scene players and 1 caller)
Best For: Flexibility, spontaneity, bold choices, and breaking habits

How to Play

1. Two players begin an improvised scene. Start simple and make something happen.

2. At any moment, someone from the side calls “New Choice!”

3. The last player speaking must immediately replace their last line, action, or choice with something completely different.

4. If “New Choice!” is called again, the player must make another new choice — quickly and without overthinking.

5. The scene continues with everyone accepting and building on the new reality.

The Goal

Practice flexibility and learn to let go of your first idea. Strong improv comes from adapting quickly and committing to whatever happens next.

Quick Tips

• Don’t overthink — say the first new idea that comes to mind.

• Make bold changes, not tiny edits.

• Fully commit to the new choice, even if it surprises you.

• Support your partner and accept the new reality immediately.

• Let unexpected choices push the scene somewhere new.

Example

Player 1: “I came to tell you I’m quitting the family business.”
Player 2: “That’s disappointing.”

Caller: “New Choice!”
Player 2: “That’s the best news I’ve heard all year.”

Caller: “New Choice!”
Player 2: “Wait… are you sick?”

Suddenly, the scene shifts and new possibilities emerge.

IMPROVactive Reminder: Listen. Agree. Add. Support. Commit.