Playing the "Alphabet Circle" Improv Game

Series Summary

Improvisational theatre is a form of theatre in which the actors use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously. Actors typically use audience suggestions to guide the performance as they create dialogue, setting, and plot extemporaneously. Many improvisational actors also work as scripted actors, and "improv" techniques are often taught in standard acting classes. The basic skills of listening, clarity, confidence, and performing instinctively and spontaneously are considered important skills for actors to develop.

Before improv performances or practices are attempted, it is important for any improvisational actor to warm up for improvising. In this free video series, an improv teacher will show you a number of exercises to get ready for improv, from exercises, songs, and dances, to improv games like "Alphabet Circle," "Group Order," and "Create Obstacles." In improv, the projection and agility of the human voice is important, so getting the mouth and tongue loose is always a good way to get ready. Even if an actor isn't giving an improv performance, these warm up games and exercises will help any actor to practice for the theatre.

Video Transcript

"Hey, we're here learning some imporv warm ups today, and the first one that we're going to show you guys how to play is called "Alphabet Circle." To play this warm up, and it's a pretty simple warm up, you're going to have your team stand in a circle and then we're going to pass the focus from player to player as the team collectively recites the alphabet. Although this seems simple at first, with a large team and if you continually increasing the speed at which you pass the alphabet around, you'll find that it's a fun exercise. So Daniel and I are going to go ahead and demonstrate. Keep in mind it's just the two of us, but your entire team is going to play in a circle, which will add to the difficulty level. So let's just go ahead and start. A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. Q. R. Eventually the focus will be passed around to everyone in the group. The game is more fun if the focus doesn't just go around in a circle, but if you throw the energy around loosely. The strength of this warm up is that you are working together in a group mind, you are collectively reciting the alphabet, you're learning to share focus. I think that once you guys play it a couple of times you'll get the hang of it. It's pretty straight forward, and I think you guys will have a blast."