Synonyms
None.
Introduction
One volunteer with a clump of players watching closely.
Description
The first player comes home. They mime entering their house. They create mime objects in their home. They carry out the rituals that are undertaken once they arrive home. The player makes the environment as real as possible. The player coming home should be encouraged to not speak about themselves or the environment. They should do their best to convey emotion, situation, with mime and mime objects. The leader should decide once enough “home” has been created.
The leader then turns to the players watching and asks them questions about the environment and the character. For example, was the character coming home from work? What are the dimensions of the room? What was the character’s day like? What did they eat? Were they messy or organized? The questions need not be directed at a player but directed to the entire group. If a question cannot be answered it is important that this not be an example of a deficit in the player’s mime.
This is a mime exercise for the player coming home. It is also a listening exercise for the players watching. The players can learn how to improve their mime communication skills with specific observations. The leader can also challenge players to listen with their eyes.
Gimmicks
- Ask ridiculous questions. Did they have parents? What planet are they from?
Variations
- Have other players come home into the same environment adding to it..
Credits
Picked this up off of the Improv Encyclopedia.