Hot Spot
group game where one person sings in the middle and is tagged out
by Erica MarxGoal
start before you are ready
support others
build confidence
speak and act with boldness
Instructions
Hot Spot is among the first warm up exercises one learns in improv. It is a fun and high-energy warm up designed to get people to act quickly, spot patterns and "get out of their heads."
Hot Spot begins with the group standing in a circle. A suggestion may be given ("peanut!", but it is not necessary. One person will step into the center of the circle and begin singing a song, preferably a song most of the group already knows. After a few brief lines of song someone must tap out the player in the center and take their place. That player then begins singing a new song somehow inspired by the previous song. That becomes the pattern, as player after player tap into the the center of the circle to sing a song.
Players in the surrounding circle may support by singing along, clapping hands, impersonating instruments, etc. The circle also provides support by tapping in to move the exercise along and not leave the singer in the center for too long.
https://wiki.improvresourcecenter.com/index.php?title=Hot_Spot
Background
This game is described in more detail in the book Truth in Comedy:The Manual of Improvisation.
Author
I help teams connect, collaborate, and perform at their best in both virtual and in-person environments. As an executive and leadership coach, I design highly engaging experiences where people can think together, navigate challenges, and strengthen the way they work. With a background in leadership coaching, facilitation, and applied improvisation, I create interactive retreats, conferences, and networking events that energize participants and create lasting impact. My work creates the conditions for psychological safety, honest communication, and deep collaboration, allowing teams to build trust, navigate challenges, and achieve meaningful results together. I am deeply committed to mission-driven organizations. As a board member of the International Applied Improvisation Network, I partner with nonprofit and social justice leaders to help their teams thrive in fast-changing environments.
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