Machines
One at a time, people add to create a moving, noise-making machine.
by Erica MarxGoal
physical experience w/out words of yes, and
experience risk taking and supporting it with the group
co-creation of group experience
Instructions
1. Start with one student making a noise and a simple repeatable gesture.
2. When the student has a rhythm and another student has an idea for a movement which connects to the first gesture that student joins the first student by making a new noise and movement which connects to the original gesture.
3. Each student joins in with a new noise and gesture and connects to the others in some way until all students are involved in creating the machine.
Suggestions
• Participants may be hesitant to try this exercise because of the significant social risk associated with expressing simplistic sounds and gestures over and over. It can be helpful to cue, "Notice if you' re hesitating, and ask yourself what that's about. There will be an opportunity to discuss this later."
• Remind participants to think about using levels of space,
Instruct to speed up or slow down the machine
Debrief
– What did you imagine the machine you created was?
– What was your part in making it?
– How could we make the machine batter?
– Was it difficult to keep your concentration until everyone was creating the machine?
Variation
Machine of ...
Explain that this is going to be "The Machine of ..." and choose an abstract word like "love" or "despair" or "peace." Ask the first volunteer to make a repeatable sound and gesture that relates to the abstract image or word you' ve given, for instance, the word "despair" may elicit a groan and a collapsing of the head and spine. Encourage the volunteer to move to action without overthinking there are no wrong sounds or gestures.
This can be repeated several times using different abstract images. It may be helpful to say, "Don't think too much. Your body probably understands the image better than your brain." The Image Machine can help concretize abstract ideas since participants are asked to confront and discuss different interpretations of the same image.
Adapted from Augusto Boal's (1992) The Machine of Rhythms.
Background
http://www.bbbpress.com/2013/04/the-machine/
11.1 in AINbook
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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