Paul Levy's Page

Many improvisation games involve a lot of movement. This fun exercise explores stillness and also interpretation and meaning.

It's idea for a group activity where you'd like to create a more still, reflective mood, without loss of smiles and laughter, though this activity can also become quite intense and serious as well.

Six volunteers (this can be varied) create a portrait gallery. This is done with each one representing a static portrait painting. The facilitatator countsw down from five an… Continue

Another "essential" exercise that explores a very simple element of moment-to-moment experience.

This is best done in small groups of 3-4.

Sit in a close circle and hold hands around the circle, leaning as comfortably as possible in to the circle, towards each other. If possible, even foreheads can touch, as long as this doesn't create neck or back tension for anyone.

And that's it! For the next ten minutes, in silence, simple be aware of each others' breathing in close proximity. Try not to… Continue

You might think the following exercise would work well with music or with a sound effects CD. I'd propose it works best without either.

Create a comfortable space for some contact work.

A group forms in the space and begins in stillness.

The facilitator speaks the following words:

"Light, gentle rain, hardly noticeable, a little pitter patter"

The improvisation begins, inspired by a shared sense of being light, gentle rain - drops touching the ground, touching trees, people can become the r… Continue

This is an activity for exploring the dynamics of two people encountering each other. It allows exploration of:

- pair dynamics
- personal space and proximity
- connection and disconnection
- power and status
- eye contact
- interpersonal communication
- competition and collaboration
and many more themes!

It works best with a group of about 8-10 people though this can be varied.

The Process

Two people enter a wood, encounter each other. Six people or more stand still in the spa… Continue

This is a lovely game for exploring the role of "visioning" and "futuring" in improvisation. When is knowing or deciding the future a help or a hindrance?

Start with a group of five, with everyone else watching.

Decide a scene to be played out. For example, a picnic.

Choose someone to be crystal ball gazer (can be fun if you play this with a real crystal ball - a football or goldfish bowl will do!

At any point during the scene, a member of the audience can shout "Crystal ball!" at which poin… Continue