Look and Scream

Close eyes, then everyone looks across circle at another player and if they make eye contact they scream dramatically and leave the game.

Duration: Any
Participants: Any
Erica Marxby 

Goal

players make clear, bold, committed actions
can be closing activity (everyone exits)

Instructions

1. Have the class stand in a circle.

2. Tell everyone to look down (or close eyes)

3. Assign a counter to count “1, 2, 3…look!”

4. On “look” everyone must look up and directly at someone in the circle.

5. If the person you are looking is looking at someone else, you both are “safe”. If the person you are looking at is looking back at you too, you both must scream “ahh!” and run out of the circle.

6. The counter begins another round with the remaining people standing in the circle.

7. Play until everyone is sitting or there’s just one person remaining 

Notes:
Even numbers of players = everyone will exit
Odd numbers of players = one person will be left in center.

If odd number of players, the last person standing is the "winner". Or everyone screams when there is one person left. Or you can make them the counter of the game if you have an odd numbered group.

Inclusivity notes - Screaming is loud and the 'look and scream variation' may be too loud for some people to enjoy. Give instructions to be inclusive of mobility as well. 


Variations 

  • Use this activity to form pairs (when you form a pair, exit the circle together)
  • Partners make matching shapes when they match eyes. Instructor gives a moment for pairs to be mirrored, then says "look down, look up" again)
  • Each player creates a shape in response to a prompt given by the instructor (ie. shaped like an emotion). When partners match they adjust to be making the same shape. Or group simply observes those who matched, etc.



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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