Have you ever wondered what your pets, the animals in your backyard, or those at the zoo might be thinking? What if they could talk? What would they sound like? Now is your chance to give a voice to a favorite animal in your life and see if you can figure out how they might respond in a conversation with a human.
This game is great for just 2 people, but can easily accommodate more! It would also work really well online, so consider playing this on a video chat with friends or family. One person pretends to be an animal, talking in the manner you think they would speak if they could. The other person remains human...for now! The animal and human interact and have a conversation. Perhaps you discuss the weather, a favorite movie, what you are going to have for dinner, or even where you would like to go on vacation!
Here’s how to play:
- All players need to figure out an animal to pretend to be!
- Think of some animals that you know. Perhaps your own dog, cat, fish, turtle, hamster, or even a neighbor’s pet. Animals could also include the squirrels and birds that live in your yard or a favorite farm or zoo animal. Consider having a picture for reference.
- As you think about your animal, consider how they talk. Do they have an accent? Do they speak quickly or slowly? Do they repeat themselves? Are they easily distracted, or laser focused? Does your animal have perfect grammar, or do they miss some things here and there? Build your animal character, and think about where they are originally from, what they look like, what might frustrate them or bring them joy!
- Once you have determined your animals, start a conversation with the human (other player).
- Conversations should be as if you are both human, but with a definite animal twist! How would a dog view eating at the table and good table manners? Where would a fish like to go on vacation? What is the latest exercise craze in the hamster world? Start with a basic conversation idea and see where it goes!
- Talk like your animal, or if you are human this round just be yourself!
- Continue until you feel like the conversation is done, or until it has become too silly to go on. Then switch and allow the other person to be their animal.
- You could also try both being animals, and compare notes about what it is like to live with your families.
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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.
