How to Play Superheroes in Improv
Superheroes is an improv game for 4 players, and has been featured on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" The game is fairly heavily structured, automatically giving each of the 4 players a turn in the spotlight, which can be a useful thing. The scene will revolve around superheroes with strange powers invented by the audience and fellow players, and be very different from the normal superhero types like Batman and Superman.
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Instructions
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Ask the audience for two suggestions: A superhero name and a problem that needs solving. Note that you should explain to the audience that you are not looking for superhero names like Superman or Batman, but rather newly invented (generally less powerful) superheroes like Captain Chipmunk or Lisping Lad.
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The first player begins a monologue in the character of the superhero suggested, discussing the enormity of the problem he faces. The player should be sure to drop in at least one obvious reference to his powers suggested by the audience. e.g. Captain Chipmunk might stuff a lot of tools in his cheeks, while Lisping Lad would likely lisp through some words beginning with the letter S.
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3
After the scene has been reasonably set, or when the player on stage says something to the effect of "I'm going to need some help!", another player should enter the scene. The first player should immediately choose a Superhero name for the new player, by saying something like, "I'm glad you're here, Wacky Woman!" The new player then immediately takes on the persona given to her, and attempts to illustrate her power (like above) while forwarding the scene somewhat.
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4
After a little progress has been made, a third player enters the scene, and this time the player to enter before him (in our example, Wacky Woman), gets to name him. Once further progress has been made, the fourth and final player will enter the scene, being named by the third player. Once all four Superheroes are on-stage, they should be able to solve the problem in less than a minute.
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5
Heroes should find excuses to leave the stage in the opposite order that they arrived, such that the last hero to arrive leaves first. Each one should give a parting line that may relate to their power/persona. Once only the initial hero remains, he gives a final line or two to the audience, and then the scene ends.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to pick superhero names that give other players something fun to work with.
Don't pick obviously gross and vulgar names. Leave that to your audience.
