Listening Exercises
Listening is the most important skill in improvisation. Not just hearing words, but truly receiving what your scene partner is offering — their emotion, their body language, and the reality they’re building.
These exercises train players to slow down, pay attention, and respond to what’s actually happening rather than what they planned.
One Word Story
Players stand in a circle and tell a story one word at a time. It demands deep listening and the willingness to let go of control.
Three Line Scenes
Scenes that last only three lines. Forces players to make strong, clear choices immediately — no warming up, no stalling.
Want Pursuit Scene
Players enter a scene with a specific want and pursue it honestly, learning to let desire drive behaviour rather than invention.
Yes And
The most essential improv exercise. Players practise accepting what their partner offers and adding something new to move the scene forward.