This is probably a better fit for a more homogeneous group rather than an ensemble with a wide variety of energies and mobility considerations (and requires a decent sized space), but it can provide a fast warm-up to get everyone’s blood flowing.
The Basics
A traditional game of tag is played; however, in this version, everybody is it (or in) at the same time. Any player that is successfully tagged by another must remain frozen in place until the end of the game when only one unfrozen player remains. Alternatively, if you want to add a little heat and prolong the game, tagged players can be given a target number which they must (slowly) count to aloud – such as 30 or 40. If they reach the target (without being re-tagged) they may rejoin the hunt.
The Focus
This is a rather high energy warm-up that I’ve become increasingly reluctant to play as I personally get older! As is the case with all games, players often focus on the “winning” aspect, so make sure this doesn’t overshadow the other gifts such an energetic exercise can offer.
Traps and Tips
1.) Focus (a little) on winning. The game will lose any sense of vibrancy if players do not embrace the core challenge and accept the objective of catching and tagging out others in the field of play. In this sense, the game can model stakes and the need to fully commit to your objective, no matter how seemingly absurd it may be.
2.) Focus (a little more) on playing. Don’t let the desire to win eclipse the joy of playing (and probably losing) well. Take appropriate risks (that don’t put yourself or others in any form of physical danger). Explore the delights of both offensive and defensive strategies. In doing so, the game can also illuminate the importance of changing up your tactics on stage so as to ultimately get what you want.
3.) Focus (most of all) on accepting. Be careful of allowing the warm-up to devolve into a series of contestations or arguments about what was or wasn’t a successful tag. If you feel someone making (appropriate) contact, accept the offer, and just freeze. Improv requires risk-taking winners and good-natured losers. Creating a climate where both are embraced and celebrated reminds players that the only path to success of any meaningfulness is when we all agree to play generously together.
In Performance
With younger participants (or over-eager older participants for that matter), it can prove wise to quickly review what are acceptable tag types/strengths and bodily locations – such a limbs, shoulder, and backs. No one should get hurt. Or be made to feel icky. There are plenty of other fun warm-ups if you suspect that either of these things might happen. Also, it’s nice to acknowledge the winner briefly, but I think it’s also in the spirit of this particular game to equally and joyously acknowledge the losers!
Another variant consists of a caller changing up the movement quality that everyone must explore, so one moment everyone is running at full speed, the next they’re on tippy toes, and then they’re crawling on all fours…
Cheers, David Charles.
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Photo Credit: Scott Cook
© 2024 David Charles/ImprovDr
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