Wet dog (Crazy 8's)
Count fast down from 8 to 1 while shaking each body limb as a group
by Erica MarxGoal
raise the energy level
Materials
Instructions
Together everyone shakes out their limbs – right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg – in descending counts starting at 8 each and ending with 1 each.
KEY – Everyone commits to having their heads up, and to making eye contact with every other player at least once during the warm-up.
You can’t be in your head – or looking at your feet – worried about looking silly. If we’re all committed and playing without shame, what happens? We’ll smile at each other. We’ll laugh.
Improv is mutually assured embarrassment! But the only person who looks “silly” is the person who’s not committing to the group.
Variation: Next round in a new language – exciting to people because they experience themselves as being able to speak a new language. Go around and do all the languages in the room. Also fun for the people to hear their language spoken.
Also called "crazy 8's"
Background
https://improvdoesbest.com/2013/02/27/crazy-eights-warmup-exercise/
Bobbi Block shared (via Nicola) the version of using different languages
Author
I lead a team that helps multi-stakeholder groups tackle high-stakes, complex work with clarity and connection. We design and guide strategic planning sessions, workshops, retreats, and conferences where people think well together, make sound decisions, and take coordinated action. Our team is trained in improvisational theater, and as active members of the International Applied Improvisation Network, we bring adaptable, creative methods that build trust, surface essential perspectives, and keep momentum strong. We also share what we know, offering facilitator training that blends inclusive process design with the flexibility and presence of improv.
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