Park Bench Improvisation Game
Have you ever wondered what the other people were thinking about at the park, or while waiting for a bus? Or do you just want a good excuse to annoy your family or friends? Now is your chance to be creative and think about all of the possibilities! Gather some family and friends, either in person or over a video conference, to play this fun, easy and typically silly game! This game will get your creativity flowing, and would be a great brain break from in-home education, or to try during your next virtual visit with friends and family! 
Here’s what you need:
- At least 2 people to play the game, but 3 or more makes it even more fun! Each player needs to be able to think creatively and talk, making this game great for kids from elementary school through adults!
- A place to sit, such as your couch, two chairs, a bench, or even the floor or a spot in your own yard.
- A timer, although rarely necessary. A watch, clock, or other timer works fine!
- If playing over a video conference, you will need a device with a camera and video conference app or software.
- Your imagination!
The Object of the Game:
The object is to stretch your acting skills and imagination as you attempt to get someone to either laugh or leave the scene. Everyone gets an opportunity to play both parts in this fast and fun game.
One person is trying to remain calm and still, while the other is acting in an unexpected way for someone who is at the park or at the bus stop. Both characters can talk and interact, but only one is acting out of the ordinary. Each pair gets about 3 minutes for their turn on the “bench.”
How the game works:
- Choose the setting: either a lovely park where you are watching the birds and squirrels play; or a bus stop where you are waiting for your bus to pick you up.
- Person A: calm, normal person, who is either watching the birds or waiting for the bus.
- Person B: an abnormal person, acting in a strange manner, attempting to get Person A to either laugh or be annoyed enough to leave. This person can act like an animal, use silly faces, pretend to have an imaginary friend, pretend to be talking on a phone, ask random questions of Person A, really anything! Be creative and think about what would amuse or annoy Person A!
- Taking Turns:
- Person A sits still and interacts with Person B (who is acting strangely) until Person A either laughs, leaves because they cannot stand to be there any longer; or time is up for that turn (about 3 minutes). Person A does need to come up with an excuse as to why he/she is leaving.
- Once Person A leaves, Person B moves into their spot and now becomes the new Person A.
- Another player enters the scene as Person B and tries to distract and make the new Person A laugh or become annoyed enough to leave, or until the time is up.
- The game cycle is repeated until everyone is either too tired from laughing or everyone is out of ideas!
If playing with friends on a video call, just have new friends enter the screen when it is their turn to play, and friends who have had their turn sit in the background. You may need to say out loud as you reset the scene each time who is Person A and Person B.
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Matthews Playhouse is a community based non-profit theatre committed to enriching the lives of children, adults, and families by inviting them to participate in the world of performing arts and education. In addition to its theater and music classes, the play offers many opportunities for children of all ages to get involved in the performing arts through musicals, plays and summer camps.
