Hitchhiker (Emotional Car Pool)
As people are picked up by the driver their emotional state 'infects' the rest of the group.
by Erica MarxGoal
experience different emotions
consider impact of emotions on others, creating group culture
Instructions
Use 4 chairs to build the interior of a car. One player starts driving the car, and another player becomes a hitchhiker, hiking a ride. The hitch hiker character has a particular character tick or particular emotion, which the driver takes over.
Other hitch hikers join in, each with their own characteristics or emotions, taken over by the driver and the passengers in the car as the hiker joins. When the car is full, one of the players leaves the car to make room for the new guest.
Notes
Don`t forget to justify leaving the car.
Variation
People are in an office car pool
Background
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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