This exercise demonstrates some of the very basic principles of improv and communication in an active, fun, low-stakes way.

We are going to make 2-person human sculptures.

Players are in a circle. First player strikes a pose in the middle of the circle. Second player adds to that pose to complete the 2-person human sculpture. The third player, inspired by what the first two did, names the sculpture. There are no bad ideas or wrong answers here. Art can have any sort of name, so anything the sculpture inspired can be the name. Once the sculpture is named we celebrate that creation by applauding or saying YES and repeating the name. Then the next player starts a new sculpture by striking a pose. The exercise continues until everyone has done all three parts: initiated, added, and named.

So much of what is happening in this exercise coincides with what happens in an improv scene. Player one initiates. They make a choice. Any choice works! If you are feeling confused, a shrug is a great first pose. If you’re thinking hard, maybe pose like “the Thinker.” If you’re feeling bold, strike a big dramatic pose. Any pose will do.

The second player YES ANDS that choice. They don’t say the words “yes and” but they accept what their partner did, and add to it in a way that compliments it, and completes the 2-person sculpture.

The third player gets to name the sculpture, and whatever they name it is to be celebrated!

Since this is a more active, less verbal exercise, it is especially helpful for students struggling with language and dialogue, and heightens our non-verbal communication.