Level 2 Games

Level 2 Games

HIVE MIND

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kiVpIiBftA

A sophisticated ensemble awareness exercise where players begin sitting randomly throughout the room or in a circle(for smaller or younger groups). They then must stand up, begin to walk, increase the walk to a jog, then slow down, and finally sit down simultaneously without verbal or visual cues. The game develops group intuition through shared energy and subtle awareness. Success requires players to truly sense the collective impulse rather than following obvious leaders. This deceptively simple exercise reveals the power of ensemble connection while teaching performers to trust their instincts and remain present in extended moments of uncertainty.

Common Challenges:

• Following obvious leaders rather than group energy

• Breaking focus by looking for cues

• Rushing to sit before genuine consensus

• Losing patience during extended attempts

• Missing subtle energy shifts

• Defaulting to patterns or timing

• Breaking walking pattern when anticipating the sit

• Getting distracted by partial group sits

The exercise particularly excels at developing deep ensemble awareness and teaching performers how individual impulses affect group dynamics. Success comes not from getting it perfect but from the group’s growing sensitivity to collective energy.

TRIANGLES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OKPEgUpYq4

This subtle ensemble exercise asks each player to secretly choose two other players and maintain an equal distance between them, creating a constantly moving equilateral triangle. As players adjust their positions, the entire group shifts in a fascinating display of unconscious choreography. The game powerfully demonstrates interconnectedness and teaches spatial awareness, group dynamics, and the ripple effect of individual choices on the ensemble.

Common Challenges:

• Losing track of chosen players

• Moving too quickly or obviously

• Breaking concentration to watch others

• Maintaining equal distance consistently

• Getting stuck in repetitive patterns

ENEMY DEFENDER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu31ZWtTRdw

A variation on TRIANGLES: A high-stakes focus game where each player secretly chooses one person as their “enemy” and another as their “defender.” When play begins, players must position themselves so their defender is always between them and their enemy. As players move to maintain this triangle formation, the entire group creates a constantly shifting spatial pattern. The exercise reveals how individual choices affect collective movement while teaching spatial awareness and strategic thinking.

Common Challenges:

• Revealing enemy/defender choices through obvious movement

• Losing track of chosen players in motion

• Moving too quickly or erratically

• Breaking focus to watch others

• Clustering in corners or edges

• Getting stuck in repetitive patterns

• Maintaining equal distance consistently

• Breaking character during intense moments

The game succeeds when players maintain their objectives while staying aware of how their movements affect the entire ensemble’s flow and balance.

RUTABAGA

A high-energy circle game that builds on sound and movement patterns. Each player creates a unique noise and action that ripples through the circle, culminating in everyone shouting “Rutabaga!” The game teaches physical and vocal commitment while maintaining group rhythm. The success lies in each player fully committing to both receiving and passing along the established patterns.

Common Challenges:

• Hesitating to make bold choices

• Losing the ripple effect timing

• Dropping energy before “Rutabaga” moment

• Copying others instead of creating unique sounds/movements

• Breaking circle formation during excited moments

YES, LET’S

Building on basic agreement principles, this full-body commitment game starts with one player suggesting an action (“Let’s perform surgery!”). The entire group responds enthusiastically with “Yes, let’s!” and immediately begins performing the suggested activity. The game continues with new suggestions, teaching immediate commitment to ideas, physical engagement, and group synchronization. The power lies in the instantaneous shift between activities and the group’s wholehearted participation.

Common Challenges:

• Hesitating before joining the action

• Self-consciousness limiting physical commitment

• Suggesting activities too complex to perform

• Dropping character during transitions

• Losing energy after several rounds

EVERYBODY GO

Similar to Yes, Let’s but with an added vocal component. One player initiates a strong sound and corresponding action, which the entire group must immediately mirror with equal or greater energy. This game teaches the concept of “raising the stakes” - each new initiation should build upon the energy of the previous one. The game particularly helps with vocal projection and physical commitment.

Common Challenges:

• Diminishing energy over time

• Inconsistent volume levels

• Mismatched sound and movement

• Group timing falling out of sync

• Fear of being “too big” with choices

DUCKS AND COWS

A dynamic spatial awareness game where players alternate between two distinct animal characters, complete with specific movements and sounds. Players must maintain their chosen character while responding to others in the space, creating shifting patterns of interaction. The game teaches character commitment, spatial awareness, and the ability to maintain focus while surrounded by contrasting energy.

Common Challenges:

• Breaking character when interacting

• Mixing up animal characteristics

• Uneven space utilization

• Losing energy during extended play

• Defaulting to following rather than initiating

KITTY WANTS A CORNER

This deceptively simple game teaches negotiation, status work, and tactical thinking. Players stand at designated “corners” (or spots) in the space while one player becomes the “Kitty” in the center. Kitty approaches different players asking, “Kitty wants a corner?” While being denied, other players must make eye contact and switch positions. Kitty tries to steal an empty corner during these exchanges. The game develops peripheral awareness, timing, and the ability to maintain character while strategizing.

Common Challenges:

• Breaking character during exchanges

• Missing opportunities to switch corners

• Forgetting to make eye contact before moving

• Using repetitive denial responses

• Staying in safe patterns rather than taking risks

MILLING AND SEETHING

A foundational movement exercise that transforms simple walking into character exploration. Players begin by walking naturally through the space, then gradually incorporate different qualities (“as if” scenarios) provided by the facilitator. Examples might include “walking through deep mud” or “late for an important meeting.” The exercise builds physical awareness, character development, and the ability to quickly incorporate new elements while maintaining previous instructions.

Common Challenges:

• Falling into predictable walking patterns

• Losing previous directions when new ones are added

• Breaking character to watch others

• Clustering in certain areas of the space

• Difficulty transitioning between contrasting qualities

BURGER AND FRIES

An environment-building exercise where players must quickly become part of a suggested location or object. When a location is called (like “zoo” or “plate of spaghetti”), players rapidly create frozen pictures using their bodies, each person adding a new element to the scene. The game teaches quick thinking, physical creativity, and the importance of saying “yes” to others’ choices while building a complete picture.

Common Challenges:

• Hesitating too long before joining

• Creating obvious rather than creative choices

• Not relating physically to other players

• Breaking the frozen picture

• Forgetting to consider the full environment

ASSASSIN COCKTAIL PARTY

This sophisticated game combines social interaction with strategic thinking. Players mingle as if at a party, shaking hands and making small talk. One or more players are secretly designated as “assassins” who can “kill” others with a subtle tap on the head during a handshake. When “killed,” players must wait three seconds before dying dramatically. The game teaches subtlety, timing, and the art of building suspense while maintaining social interaction. It’s particularly effective for teaching the balance between subtle and dramatic choices in performance.

Common Challenges:

• Over-indicating when playing the assassin

• Breaking character to watch for assassins

• Dying too quickly or without commitment

• Clustering rather than mingling naturally

• Forgetting to maintain party conversation

FIND YOUR MAMA LIKE A LITTLE PENGUIN

This touching exercise builds trust and non-verbal communication skills. Players close their eyes and make penguin sounds while searching for their assigned “penguin parent” who makes a specific sound. The game creates a surprisingly emotional experience as players navigate vulnerability and connection. It teaches active listening, spatial awareness, and the power of vocal distinction while creating genuine moments of connection between players.

Common Challenges:

• Opening eyes when disoriented

• Breaking character out of nervousness

• Making sounds too similar to others

• Giving up too quickly when confused

• Losing penguin physicality during search

MONSTER TAG

This variation on traditional tag incorporates character work and transformation. When tagged, players must freeze and transform into monsters, creating unique sounds and movements to entice passing players to free them. The game teaches physical commitment, creative character choices, and the importance of maintaining energy while in a frozen state. It’s particularly useful for developing ensemble awareness and encouraging bold physical choices.

Common Challenges:

• Breaking freeze position

• Using similar monster choices

• Dropping energy when frozen

• Running without character intention

• Forgetting to make sounds as monsters

STEAL THE BACON

This classic game combines elements of Red Light, Green Light with strategic thinking and observation skills. A small object (“the bacon”) is placed between two lines of players. Each player is assigned a number. When their number is called, players must attempt to steal the bacon and return to their line without being tagged. The twist comes when multiple numbers are called, creating complex tactical situations. The game teaches strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and the ability to mask intentions while observing others - crucial skills for stage combat and character motivation work.

Common Challenges:

• Telegraphing intentions too early

• Breaking focus during tense moments

• Forgetting assigned numbers

• Rushing without strategy

• Missing opportunities for tactical play

PROTECTOR DEFENDER (WITH BALL)/SECRET SERVICE

This high-stakes game involves three-person units: a President, a Bodyguard, and an Assassin. The Bodyguard must physically protect the President from being hit by the Assassin’s soft ball, creating intense moments of strategic movement and physical problem-solving. The game teaches physical awareness, protective impulses, and the balance between character commitment and safety awareness.

Common Challenges:

• Bodyguards becoming too aggressive

• Presidents not trusting their protectors

• Unsafe throwing choices

• Breaking character under pressure

• Losing spatial awareness in excitement

HUNTER/HUNTED (WITH KEYS)

A thrilling variation of “Keeper of the Keys” that adds psychological complexity. One blindfolded player becomes the Hunter, guarding a set of keys, while others attempt to steal them. The Hunter can point at suspected thieves - if correct, the caught player must return to the starting position. The psychological tension builds as players must manage their own fear and excitement while making strategic choices. This game develops focused listening skills, spatial awareness, and the ability to control breathing and movement under pressure - essential skills for dramatic scenes.

Common Challenges:

• Making noise through nervous movement

• Breaking character when nearly caught

• Losing spatial orientation

• Rushing instead of being strategic

• Forgetting to breathe when tense

SAMURAI WARRIOR

An intense physical theater game that teaches stage combat principles through stylized movement. Players stand in a circle while one “Samurai” initiates attacks by making cutting motions (high or low) toward other players. The receiving player must react appropriately to the attack level, creating a choreographed sequence of movement. The game flows continuously, building in speed and complexity. This exercise develops physical awareness, reaction timing, and the fundamental principles of stage combat safety.

Common Challenges:

• Anticipating moves instead of reacting

• Breaking the flow with hesitation

• Losing form in excitement

• Making unsafe cutting choices

• Dropping character during transitions

POISON ARMS SABERS

This dramatic exercise combines slow-motion movement with exaggerated acting choices. Players engage in mock combat using their arms as “sabers,” with struck players performing elaborate, slow-motion deaths. The game emphasizes the theatrical value of “dying well” and teaches the importance of sustained commitment to dramatic choices. It’s particularly useful for helping self-conscious actors embrace bigger performance choices.

Common Challenges:

• Rushing through death scenes

• Breaking slow-motion timing

• Inconsistent energy in movements

• Breaking character during deaths

• Forgetting to celebrate victories

BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL

This slow-motion improvisation game transforms ordinary objects and actions into theatrical moments. Players move in slow motion through an imaginary store, discovering and interacting with everyday objects (doorknobs, desks, shoes) in extraordinary ways. The game emphasizes the comedy that emerges from committed physicality and detailed mime work. When players fully invest in the slow-motion reality, simple actions become compelling scenes that teach the value of precision and timing in physical comedy.

Common Challenges:

• Breaking slow-motion timing

• Rushing through discoveries

• Losing mime precision

• Missing opportunities for interaction

• Dropping character commitment

STATUS CHARACTERS

Using a deck of playing cards, this game explores social status and character relationships. Each player receives a card (Ace being highest status, Two lowest) without looking at it. Players then interact in character, treating others according to their perceived status while trying to determine their own. The game concludes when players attempt to arrange themselves in order. This exercise powerfully demonstrates how status affects behavior and teaches subtle character choices.

Common Challenges:

• Playing status too obviously

• Breaking character to check cards

• Inconsistent status choices

• Limited interaction variety

• Struggling with middle-status choices

GROUP ORDER

An ensemble exercise that challenges non-verbal communication skills. Players must arrange themselves in order according to various criteria (height, birth month, shoe size) without speaking. The exercise teaches clear physical communication, problem-solving, and group cooperation. As criteria become more abstract, players must develop increasingly creative ways to convey information.

Common Challenges:

• Reverting to verbal communication

• Unclear gestural choices

• Losing patience with process

• Dominant players taking over

• Missing opportunities for creativity

SCARY, STINKY, SMELLY

This relationship-building exercise explores how characters react to various stimuli. Players walk through the space normally until a leader calls out one of the three S-words. Each word triggers a specific type of interaction: “Scary” prompts players to seek protection from others, “Stinky” causes them to avoid others while showing disgust, and “Smelly” makes them investigate others with curiosity. The game teaches quick character choices and helps actors understand how different stimuli affect relationships and status dynamics.

Common Challenges:

• Defaulting to similar reactions

• Breaking character during transitions

• Missing opportunities for detailed choices

• Losing energy between commands

• Forgetting to maintain relationships

ENVIRONMENT

(Moving Burger and Fries) This advanced variation of Burger and Fries adds dynamic movement to environment creation. Instead of frozen pictures, players create living, breathing environments where each element continuously moves in character. For example, in a “washing machine” scene, some players might be spinning clothes while others become agitating water or bubbles. The exercise teaches sustained character work and the importance of supporting others’ choices while maintaining your own clear character decisions.

Common Challenges:

• Losing character consistency

• Breaking environmental logic

• Copying rather than adding elements

• Dropping energy in longer scenes

• Missing opportunities for interaction