Friendly Hands
Friendly Hands is a trust and connection exercise in which players reach out to shake hands or make physical contact with as many people as possible in a short time. The exercise breaks the physical barrier between participants and establishes a baseline of comfortable touch. It warms up the group's willingness to engage physically.
Worth Reading
See all books →
112 Acting Games
Gavin Levy
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Improv Ideas
A Book of Games and Lists
Mary Ann Kelley; Justine Jones
Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum
A Practical Guide
Gary Kramer; Richie Ploesch
When I Say This, Do You Mean That?
Enhancing Communication
Cherie Kerr; Julia Sweeney
Related Exercises
Everybody Touch Someone Who...
Everybody Touch Someone Who... is a physical warm-up exercise in which a caller names a characteristic or experience and all participants who match it must immediately move to touch at least one other person who also matches. The resulting movement creates visible social maps of the group -- who shares which experiences -- while generating physical energy and a sense of collective discovery through quick, full-body engagement.
Back Dancing
Back Dancing is a physical warm-up in which two players stand back to back and move together, each responding to the pressure and rhythm of the other's body. Without visual cues, players must rely on physical sensitivity to stay connected. The exercise builds nonverbal communication and physical trust.
I Like You Because/I Love You Because
I Like You Because/I Love You Because is a connection exercise in which players take turns expressing genuine appreciation for specific qualities in their partners. The exercise builds trust, vulnerability, and ensemble warmth. It works best when participants move beyond surface compliments to specific, observed qualities.
You Are My Best Friend
You Are My Best Friend is a warm-up exercise in which players greet each other with the enthusiasm of reuniting with a long-lost best friend. The exercise practices heightened emotional connection and teaches performers to bring genuine warmth and excitement to their interactions. It sets a supportive, high-energy tone for the session.
Millipede
Millipede is a physical ensemble exercise in which a line of players moves together as a single connected organism, typically with hands on the shoulders or waist of the person ahead. The group must coordinate speed, direction, and stops without verbal communication. The exercise builds physical trust and nonverbal group sensitivity.
Blind Lead
Blind Lead is a classic trust exercise in which one player closes their eyes while a partner guides them through the space using touch or voice. The exercise builds trust, communication, and sensitivity to a partner's needs. It is foundational to many physical and ensemble-building curricula.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Friendly Hands. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/friendly-hands
The Improv Archive. "Friendly Hands." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/friendly-hands.
The Improv Archive. "Friendly Hands." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/friendly-hands. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.