Non-human scene
Director calls out a scene location (ie. movie theater) and everyone assumes a non-human item in the scene (ie. wad of bubble gum on the floor)
by Erica MarxGoal
have people embody items in the scene
practice being specific
understand that it's all about the relationships
Instructions
Director calls out a location (ie. movie theater) and everyone silently assumes a non-human item in the scene (ie. wad of bubble gum on the floor). Then the director asks each person to identify what they are.
Scene ideas
college dorm room at 6AM
kindergarten classroom
a hipsters lunchbox
a box of crayons
a food truck at a festival
Options
This can be the beginning of a group scene. The items begin talking to one another
Could be good warm up to I am a Tree
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q_eew799as
Background
learned by me (Erica Marx) in the Non-human workshop by Craig Uhlir at the Improv Retreat 2018
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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