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Improv Night
Say Yes to Fun: Improv Night Spectacular!
Unleash your creativity and quick thinking with an unforgettable night of improv games!
From acting out imaginary objects to building hilarious scenarios, this activity is all about saying "yes," staying in the moment, and having a blast with your fellow Scouts. Let’s get imaginative and make some memories!
Before you begin
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Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely
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Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you’re short on helpers
What you’ll need
• Nothing! Improv games rely solely on your imagination and creativity.
Setting the scene
Improv games are a fantastic way to foster creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork among Scouts. This guide will help you organise a fun and energetic improv night with a blend of warm-ups, games, and tips to ensure everyone has a great time!
Choose a large, open space for free movement. Arrange Scouts in a circle or semi-circle to encourage inclusion.
Explain the rules of improv night:
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Say “yes” to ideas
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Stay in the moment
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Support your fellow Scouts
Have fun—there’s no wrong way to play!
Warm up activities
Vocal Stretches
- Buzzing Lips: Make buzzing sounds with your lips to loosen up.
- Tongue Twisters: Try phrases like “Red leather, yellow leather” or “Unique New York”.
- Volume Exercise: Start with a whisper and gradually increase volume to a shout while saying “Yes!” or another fun phrase.
Physical Stretches
- Shake It Out: Shake hands, legs, and entire body to release tension.
- Big Stretches: Reach for the sky, touch your toes, and twist gently side-to-side.
- Facial Expressions: Make the biggest smile, the angriest frown, the silliest face—warm up those facial muscles!
Activity examples
Holding Something
Create and interact with imaginary objects.
How to Play:
Scouts take turns pretending to hold an imaginary object, like a basketball or a delicate teacup.
Other Scouts guess what the object is based on how it’s handled.
Add a twist:
After guessing, someone can say, “Now it’s a...” and transform the object into something new.
What It Teaches:
Creativity and nonverbal communication.
Yes, Let’s!
Practice agreement and enthusiasm.
How to Play:
One Scout makes a suggestion (e.g., “Let’s pretend to climb a mountain!”).
Everyone else responds with “Yes, let’s!” and acts out climbing a mountain together.
Keep the game going by taking turns suggesting new actions.
What It Teaches:
Collaboration and saying “yes” to ideas.
The Clapping Game
Build rhythm and focus.
How to Play:
Scouts stand in a circle.
The Leader starts by clapping and making eye contact with someone else in the circle, who claps in response.
The clap is then passed around the circle in random order.
Add complexity by introducing rules like double claps or directional changes.
What It Teaches:
Listening and paying attention.
Wrapping up
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Do a final stretch or a deep breathing exercise to calm down.
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End the night with a review of your Improv games, asking Scouts to share their favorite moments from the games.
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Finish with a group cheer or chant to celebrate everyone’s participation and creativity.
Change the challenge level
- Encourage everyone to try, but don’t pressure shy Scouts—let them observe if they prefer.
- Applaud every effort, no matter how small or silly.
- Mix high-energy games with calmer ones to keep Scouts engaged.
- Improv is about adapting—if a game isn’t working, pivot to another!
Reflection
This activity was about being creative and developing skills to try and build your quick thinking skills and communitcate with your Group.
- Which Improv game did you enjoy the most?
- How well did everybody communicate?
- Did you enjoy playing games that only required your imagination and creativity?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- Can you think of any other Improv games you can try out next time?
