Growing and Shrinking Machine
Growing and Shrinking Machine is a group exercise in which players build a human machine of interconnected sounds and movements, then the machine grows as players join one at a time and shrinks as they leave. The facilitator may control the speed, intensity, or emotion of the machine. The exercise trains ensemble coordination and the ability to contribute a complementary part to a group creation.
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Related Exercises
Machines
Machines is a group exercise in which players collectively build an imaginary apparatus by adding interlocking physical movements and sounds one performer at a time. A facilitator may call out a theme or type of machine, prompting the group to adapt their contributions accordingly. The exercise trains ensemble listening, physical expressiveness, and creative collaboration.
The Machine
The Machine is a group exercise in which players build a collective apparatus by adding interlocking physical movements and sounds one at a time. Each new contributor must connect their action to the existing mechanism. The exercise develops ensemble coordination, physical commitment, and the ability to contribute to a shared creation.
Machine
Machine is a group exercise in which one player starts a repeating movement and sound, and the rest of the group joins one at a time until the ensemble becomes one interlocking human machine. Each new part has to connect to what is already happening instead of operating as a separate solo. The exercise trains timing, ensemble awareness, physical commitment, and the habit of building something together in full view of the room.
Synchronised Dance
Synchronised Dance is an exercise in which players attempt to move and dance together without choreography or a designated leader, following the group's collective impulse. The exercise trains physical listening, nonverbal communication, and the ability to contribute to a shared movement without dominating. It produces a visible demonstration of ensemble connection when it clicks.
Activity Starter
Activity Starter is a group exercise in which one player begins a physical activity and other players gradually enter to mirror or extend it. The exercise builds ensemble attunement and physical awareness by requiring players to read and respond to a shared movement rather than a verbal cue.
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.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Growing and Shrinking Machine. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine
The Improv Archive. "Growing and Shrinking Machine." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine.
The Improv Archive. "Growing and Shrinking Machine." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.