Screamers
Screamers is a circle exercise in which players look down, then on a count look up and make eye contact with someone. If two players lock eyes, they both scream and are eliminated. The game builds tension through anticipation and rewards sharp observational reflexes. It is a reliable energizer for large groups.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Improv Ideas
A Book of Games and Lists
Mary Ann Kelley; Justine Jones
Acting Through Improv
Improv Through Theatresports
Lynda Belt; Rebecca Stockley
Theater Games for Rehearsal
Viola Spolin
Improvised Theatre and the Autism Spectrum
A Practical Guide
Gary Kramer; Richie Ploesch
Related Exercises
Jeepers Peepers
Jeepers Peepers is a sustained eye contact exercise in which participants practice maintaining direct, unbroken eye contact with one partner for an extended period. The exercise works with the discomfort most people feel when held in a steady gaze and trains performers to remain present and available in the most intimate and demanding form of on-stage connection.
Ball Toss
Ball Toss is a circle exercise in which players throw a ball to one another while maintaining eye contact and calling the recipient's name. As the pace increases or multiple balls enter play, the exercise tests group focus and communication under mounting complexity. It is one of the most widely used workshop warm-ups.
Pass Ball
Pass Ball is a circle warm-up exercise in which players toss a real or imaginary ball around the group while maintaining eye contact with the intended recipient. Additional balls may be introduced to increase complexity. The exercise builds focus, nonverbal communication, and the habit of making clear offers to specific partners.
Clap Focus
Clap Focus is an exercise in which players pass focus around a circle by clapping in unison with a partner across the circle. Eye contact establishes the connection before the synchronized clap transfers energy. The exercise trains the ability to give and receive focus clearly and decisively.
Hot Potato
Hot Potato is a circle game in which an imagined object is passed rapidly around the group, and whoever holds it when a signal sounds must perform a task, answer a question, or be eliminated. The exercise raises energy and adds stakes to simple passing games. It builds speed and the comfort with being put on the spot.
Pass Yes
Pass Yes is a warm-up exercise in which players make eye contact with someone across a circle and say "yes" to receive permission before crossing to take that person's place. The exercise practices the fundamental improv principle of seeking and granting agreement. It builds the habit of establishing connection before initiating action.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Screamers. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/screamers
The Improv Archive. "Screamers." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/screamers.
The Improv Archive. "Screamers." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/screamers. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.