Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring some of our favorite improv games. These games are easy to facilitate and can make any classroom, training, or meeting a little more fun.
We’ve played these games with seasoned professionals, people who’ve never set foot on a stage before, and everyone in-between.
Why We Like This Game
Zip Zap Zop is easy to play with actors and non-actors. It requires minimal commitment on the part of your participants, making it great for a wide variety of settings. It can be played for less than a minute or up to five minutes (if participants are very enthusiastic).
Objective
To maintain the verbal pattern “zip, zap, zop” with a group
Instructions
1. Ask participants to form a circle (or face in a direction where they can see each other.)
2. Ask participants to remember the words “zip, zap, zop,” in that exact order.
3. Once participants know the word pattern, have each participant pass one word at a time to another person. (They randomly choose the next person to pass to, preferably not the person standing/sitting right next to them.)
Tips
· Once participants are comfortable with the exercise, have them speed up!
· If participants make a mistake or miss a cue, reset the activity and start again.
· If participants have a hard time following who is receiving the pattern, ask them to make eye contact and use their hands to gesture to the next person.
· Variation: Replace zip, zap, and zop with key terms/figures, concepts, math equations, etc. from your class.
Activity Type
Energizer, Reset
Length
1+ minutes
Number of Participants
4 or more
Benefits
Promotes pattern recognition, listening, concentration, and teamwork
Fun Fact
In Japan, Zip Zap Zop is a drinking game called Pin Pan Pon!
Additional Note: All improv games can be drinking games!
Picture Credit: Andrew Martin, “Zap!” 2016
Sounds like fun!