Everyone stands in a circle.
One person walks up to another person and says "I'll need..." - they then name a list of three things they need.
The three things on the list must make sense together: a fish, a fishing rod and a river. They are from the same world. They tell a story.
The person listening to the list takes note of the last thing mentioned (in this case - a river).
They approach someone else and produce a new list STARTING with the last object.
I'll need a river, a drop in temperature and some ice skates.
Play continues in this manner.
Once the game has been played for a while the teacher can:
The first version of the game allows people time to think through their story. It's slower. More sedate. The lists are invariably more complex. This style of play suits Head improvisers - players who pride themselves on being clever, on great dialogue and making moves which hold a show together.
The second version is for Heart improvisers - those players who are in it for the thrill of connection. These improvisers tend to love big characters, big emotions and rarely plan ahead. They just open their mouths and see what comes out.
Also this game shows how important listening is - you can't start your own list until you've fully listened to the last person's. You must be inspired by them before you can create something new.