Imaginarium

Age: 5 to adult
Players: Whole Group
Time: 5-15 minutes
Skills: Creativity, Improvisation

An amusing and unpredictable way to quickly develop a scene.

The players stand in a circle and a theme is announced. One person steps forward and makes a freeze frame of an object or character related to the theme. As well as making the shape, the player should announce what she is, for example if the theme is the beach, she can say “I am a deck chair” or “I am a starfish”.

Other players add themselves into the scene by making objects or characters related to ones that are already there (announcing what they are each time) e.g beach towel, ice-cream, wave, sun, shark, swimmer, sunbather, beach ball. Everyone continues to hold their positions. The game ends when all players have stepped in or when enough ideas have been added. At this point the teacher says “Whoosh!” and the players step back to the edge of the circle.

Only one idea at a time should be added so that everyone can see and hear what is being included. Players should think about how their characters and objects relate to each other, how they can make interesting shapes and how they can use different levels (high, medium or low).

• Check below for online and social distancing instructions and for location/theme ideas.

Director’s Tips

It’s best if players don’t plan but just keep throwing in new ideas. Instead of judging which objects and characters are ‘best’, try using the game as a brainstorming activity to create inspiring ideas for the group to choose from.

• Two or more players can step in at the same time if they think of an object to make together
• The director can say “Action!” and everyone brings the scene alive for a few moments through improvised sound and action
• A soundscape can be created by the characters/objects
• Use thought-tracking to find out what characters/objects are thinking
• Ask players to add one or two adjectives to describe what they are
• The game can be used to revise a topic, create ideas for writing a poem or test comprehension of a story or play
• It can be helpful to take photos of the finished picture for future reference
• If you have a large group, it’s not necessary for everybody to step in – in fact it’s nice to have an audience. Those who didn’t take part can be the first to play in the next game.

Online Version

Using video-conferencing software such as Zoom: Everybody needs a pen/pencil/crayon and paper. Call out the theme. Tell them they have 15 seconds to draw an object, person or animal to do with that theme. Count down to zero then tell everybody to hold their drawing up to the camera. Give a few moments for everybody to look at each other’s drawings. Now explain that  in five seconds they have to use their bodies to make the shape of what they drew. Again count down to zero. Now you can ask individuals to say what they are (especially if you aren’t quite sure!) After this you can ask them for an adjective, do some thought tracking or go on to create a soundscape etc.

• Don’t forget to take screenshots for your record keeping or to revisit the activity later.

Social distancing

Just make sure everybody is the correct distance apart. They can even play Imaginarium at their desks.