What If?
One person improvises a story. Their partner periodically interrupts with What if questions that redirect the narrative. Trains divergent thinking and helps explore self-imposed limits.
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Related Exercises
Curveball Story
Curveball Story is a collaborative storytelling game in which a narrator tells a story and other players periodically throw in unexpected words, phrases, or events that must be seamlessly incorporated. The narrator cannot reject or ignore the curveball but must weave it into the narrative immediately, maintaining story logic and momentum while accommodating the interruption. The game trains narrative flexibility, acceptance, and the ability to make any new element fit.
Story Swap
Story Swap is an exercise in which two performers each begin telling a different story, then swap stories on command and must continue the other person's narrative seamlessly. The exercise demands careful listening, narrative flexibility, and the willingness to adopt someone else's creative direction without resistance.
Repetition
Pairs have a conversation one sentence at a time. Before responding, each person must repeat their partner's entire sentence. Forces active listening through to the end of a thought.
Story String
Story String is a collaborative storytelling exercise in which each performer adds a sentence or beat to an evolving narrative, building on the previous contribution while advancing the plot. The exercise trains narrative listening and the discipline of serving the emerging story rather than redirecting it toward a personal idea.
And Then
And Then is a storytelling exercise in which each contribution to a group story must begin with the phrase "and then." The connective phrase enforces forward momentum and prevents storytellers from stalling or backtracking. The exercise trains narrative drive and the habit of advancing rather than circling.
Ace
Ace (Advance, Color, Emotion) is a storytelling exercise in which one player narrates while a caller directs them to advance the plot, add descriptive color, or express emotion. The commands train improvisers to balance narrative momentum with sensory detail and emotional depth. It develops well-rounded storytelling instincts that translate directly to scene work.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). What If?. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/what-if
The Improv Archive. "What If?." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/what-if.
The Improv Archive. "What If?." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/what-if. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.