I’m A…

Although this is often a workshop or warmup game, it is often entertaining and can be used as part of the introduction to a performance, perhaps with a brief explanation of what improv is about

One player strikes a pose and announces what they are.

Jen holds her hands out like claws.

JEN: I’m a disappointed witch.

Amy forms a point over her head.

AMY: I’m her battered hat.

Paul jumps in and takes a crooked pose.

PAUL: I’m her broken wand.

Eric jumps in and stands proudly.

ERIC: I’m a handsome frog.

The person who started then chooses one person to remain .

JEN: Let’s keep the handsome frog.

Eric remains in place as the other two leaves.

ERIC: I’m a handsome frog.

Kevin runs in and looks pathetic.

KEVIN: I’m a lovesick fly.

Amy enters with a kindly smile.

AMY: I’m the minister who’s marrying them.

Paul makes a hideous face.

PAUL: I’m their ugly descendants.

ERIC: I’ll keep the descendants…

Players can be people, animals, objects, or abstractions. (“I’m the Russian Revolution” or “I’m Regret”.)

Add details. Rather than “I’m a glass of milk” try “I’m a glass of sour milk” or “I’m a glass of overpriced milk” or “I’m a glass of dog’s milk.”

The most satisfying tableaus tell a simple story, and some will naturally end in a kind of punchline—a good point to bring the lights down and end the game!

As scene starter

Start with an I’m A… game. When you come to one that seems to have dramatic possibilities, a player calls “Let’s do the scene,” and a scene begins using the characters and situation in the tableau.