Columbian Hypnosis
Columbian Hypnosis is a Theatre of the Oppressed exercise in which one player holds their palm in front of a partner's face, and the partner must keep their face at a fixed distance from the hand as it moves through space. The leader's hand controls the follower's entire body. The exercise explores power dynamics, control, and physical responsiveness.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Devising Theatre
A Practical and Theoretical Handbook
Alison Oddey
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Action Theater
The Improvisation of Presence
Ruth Zaporah
Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum
A Practical Guide
Gary Kramer; Richie Ploesch
Improv Ideas
A Book of Games and Lists
Mary Ann Kelley; Justine Jones
Related Exercises
Hand Hypnotist
Hand Hypnotist is a partner exercise drawn from Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed in which one player holds their hand in front of a partner's face and leads them through the space, with the partner following the hand as though hypnotized by it. The leader is responsible for the partner's safety and for creating interesting movement; the follower surrenders physical autonomy to the relationship. The exercise develops trust, physical sensitivity, and the experience of leading and following through the body.
Copycat
Copycat is a mirroring exercise in which one player leads and a partner copies every movement, facial expression, and sound as closely as possible. As the exercise progresses, the distinction between leader and follower blurs until both move as one. The exercise develops physical sensitivity and the foundational skill of following a partner's impulses.
Where Do the Fingers Go
Where Do the Fingers Go is a physical exercise in which performers explore hand and finger placement in relation to objects, partners, and the environment, building awareness of how hands communicate character, intention, and emotion. The exercise highlights the expressive power of precise hand work in performance.
Exaggeration Circle
Exaggeration Circle is a physical exercise in which a gesture, movement, or sound is passed around a circle, growing progressively larger and more committed with each repetition. The first player initiates a small motion; each subsequent player exaggerates what they received slightly further, until the original gesture has transformed into its most physically extreme expression. The exercise develops range, commitment to physical offers, and the willingness to go beyond habitual comfort zones.
Follow the Leader
Follow the Leader is a classic exercise in which one player leads the group through a series of movements that everyone copies. The exercise builds observation skills and comfort with matching another player's energy and style. It can be extended by having the leader change without announcement, forcing the group to identify the new source of movement.
Arm Link
Arm Link is a trust and coordination exercise in which two players link arms and navigate physical tasks together. The connection requires constant nonverbal communication and mutual adjustment, building sensitivity to a partner's weight, timing, and intention.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Columbian Hypnosis. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/columbian-hypnosis
The Improv Archive. "Columbian Hypnosis." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/columbian-hypnosis.
The Improv Archive. "Columbian Hypnosis." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/columbian-hypnosis. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.