Turkish Army Drill
Turkish Army Drill is an energetic warm-up exercise in which a leader barks out commands and the group responds with synchronized physical actions and vocal responses at increasing speed. The military-style format builds group discipline, responsiveness, and collective energy. The exercise is effective at focusing scattered group attention quickly.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Improv Leadership
How to Lead Well in Every Moment
Stan Endicott; David A. Miller; Cory Hartman
When I Say This, Do You Mean That?
Enhancing Communication
Cherie Kerr; Julia Sweeney
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Improv to Improve Your Leadership Team
Tear down Walls and Build Bridges
Candy Campbell
The Improvisation Book
How to Conduct Successful Improvisation Sessions
John S.C. Abbott
Related Exercises
Zulu
Zulu (1) is an energetic warm-up exercise in which players perform a series of synchronized group movements and chants, building collective rhythm and physical energy. The call-and-response format creates strong group cohesion and raises the energy level quickly. The exercise is commonly used as a pre-show warm-up to unite the ensemble.
Dog, Dog, Dog
Dog, Dog, Dog is a group warm-up exercise in which players repeat a word while performing a corresponding action, then switch to a new word and action on a signal. The exercise trains focus, the ability to follow group shifts, and comfort with repetitive, committed physical choices. It builds ensemble synchronization.
Run Around
Run Around is a physical warm-up exercise in which players move through the space and respond to commands called by the facilitator. The exercise builds spatial awareness, group attentiveness, and physical readiness by requiring participants to shift direction, speed, or movement quality on cue.
Stop Shuffle Walk Drop
Stop Shuffle Walk Drop is a physical warm-up exercise in which players move around the space and respond to called-out commands to stop, shuffle their feet, walk normally, or drop to the ground. An advanced variation reverses the meanings of the commands. The exercise trains listening, impulse control, and the ability to override habitual responses.
Silly Stinky Sexy
Silly Stinky Sexy is a warm-up exercise in which players walk around the space and a facilitator calls out one of the three adjectives, prompting everyone to immediately adopt the physicality, voice, and attitude of that quality. The rapid shifting between modes loosens inhibition and expands physical range. The exercise is particularly effective at breaking through self-consciousness.
Primal Screams
Primal Screams is a vocal and physical warm-up exercise in which players release tension through full-bodied shouting, growling, or other primal vocalizations. The exercise gives performers permission to be loud and uninhibited, clearing the way for bolder vocal choices in scene work. It is typically used early in a warm-up sequence to break through self-consciousness.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Turkish Army Drill. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/turkish-army-drill
The Improv Archive. "Turkish Army Drill." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/turkish-army-drill.
The Improv Archive. "Turkish Army Drill." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/turkish-army-drill. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.