Find an improv acting partner!
Find a partner and practice short improv games like story building, character swaps, and freeze scenes to improve creativity, listening, and teamwork.
Step-by-step guide to find an improv acting partner
Step 1
Find a partner and ask them to play an improv game with you.
Step 2
Clear a small open play space so you both can move safely.
Step 3
Do three gentle stretches to wake up your body.
Step 4
Make one silly sound together to warm up your voice.
Step 5
Decide who will start and who will go next.
Step 6
Set a timer for two minutes for each improv round.
Step 7
Play a 2-minute round of Story Building where you take turns adding one word to grow a silly story.
Step 8
Play a 2-minute round of Character Swap where each person picks a character and you switch when the other person taps you.
Step 9
Play a 2-minute round of Freeze Scenes where one person starts a scene and anyone can shout "Freeze" to swap in and continue.
Step 10
Repeat your favorite game and try to listen closely and support your partner more than last time.
Step 11
Tell each other one thing you liked and one idea to try for next practice.
Step 12
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Help!?
What can we use instead of a timer, partner, or a big open space if those are hard to find?
Use a phone or kitchen timer for the two-minute rounds, invite a family member or even a stuffed animal to act as a partner, and clear a rug or push a chair aside to make a small open play space, and if you can't post to DIY.org save a private video instead.
What should we do if Story Building stalls or taps in Character Swap keep getting missed?
Agree on a simple 'pass' rule when someone can't think of a word, practice a louder or visual tap like a raised hand for Character Swap, and slow the pace so Freeze Scenes and the two-minute rounds don't collapse into silence.
How can we adapt the game for younger kids or make it harder for older kids?
For younger kids shorten rounds to 30–60 seconds, use simpler words in Story Building and exaggerated stretches and silly sounds, while older kids can try 3–5 minute rounds, add character backstories in Character Swap, or set themes for Freeze Scenes.
How can we extend or personalize the improv session once we've learned the games?
Add props or costumes for Character Swap and Freeze Scenes, choose themes for Story Building, record a short performance to share on DIY.org, and repeat your favorite game while deliberately supporting each other's ideas more.
Watch videos on how to find an improv acting partner
What Is Improv? Second City Kids Are the Experts
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What Is Improv? Second City Kids Are the Experts
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Facts about improvisational theater for kids
🎭 Viola Spolin's theatre games are the roots of modern improv—her 1963 book taught playful exercises used by teachers worldwide.
👍 Improv players follow the motto "Yes, and..." to accept their partner's idea and build the scene together.
🧠 Practicing improv boosts listening, creativity, and quick thinking—skills that help in school and teamwork.
🧩 Keith Johnstone created playful formats like Theatresports to make improv both cooperative and competitive.
🎬 The "freeze" technique lets actors pause a scene, tag in, swap characters, and create surprising new directions.
How do I find an improv acting partner and get started?
What materials do I need for an improv acting partner activity?
What ages is this improv partner activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of playing improv games with a partner and are there safety tips or variations?
