I like the larger-cast nature of this game that makes it a little more user-friendly for those who might be wading into the waters of endowments for the first time.
The Basics
A panel of interviewers acquire an (unlikely) job position while their teammate (Player A) is out of the room. When A returns, a job interview is conducted in which the applicant must discover their expertise through the use of leading questions and offers.
Example
The team uses “space shuttle painter” as the suggestion. When player A returns, their three teammates form a panel of interviewers and usher them into their seat.
Player B: (shaking A’s hand) Welcome! We’re so glad you could make it on such short notice. We’ve just had this position come open. I like that handshake! Nice and firm!
Player A: (taking the offered seat) So nice to meet you all. I think you’ll find I’m just the person you’re looking for. My c.v. clearly shows my experience in working with my hands…
Player C: (nodding with great interest) Yes, yes. That’s so good to see. Your resume is… simply put… out of this world…
Player A: “I like to think big!”
Player D: “And what exactly launched you onto this career path, if you don’t mind me asking…?”
The Focus
Listen closely and endeavor to take small steps together as you strive to wiggle your way to the predetermined ending.
Traps and Tips
Consider reviewing other Endowment Games (here) for genre-specific strategies. I’m summarizing some of the more common ones in this entry.
1.) For the audience. Pitch your ask-for to your specific company and show needs. If this is a newer skill in your repertoire, there is no shame in soliciting a simpler occupation and then really enjoying taking a more leisurely path to this destination. (An “ER surgeon” might fit this bill.) If you’re working with more seasoned improvisers, it can be fun adding unexpected elements or inventing a truly nonsensical job. (Think in terms of a “Russian animal gymnast.”) The above example aims to split that difference a little, taking a more common task, but then placing it in a less-than-common context. Regardless of the initial challenge, take the time to let the audience know that their reactions are key to the exercise. As the interviewers can’t say any of the key words, the audience’s reaction (oohs, aaahs, and applause) will ultimately guide Player A to the finish line… hopefully.
2.) For the interviewers. This game features the benefit of having multiple minds trying to unlock clues into the given occupation. But keep in mind that this game also features the challenge of having multiple minds trying to unlock clues into the given occupation. Leave room for each other and avoid overwhelming your potential hire by throwing a disconnected barrage of ideas at them. It can be helpful to have a “lead interviewer” to help steer focus (often sitting in the middle of the panel), or just a general philosophy of allowing each thread sufficient time to lengthen. In the example above, I’ve modeled each interviewer taking turns, but in reality, one player might explore a multi-question run that seeks to lay the groundwork for one particular ingredient. In this manner, if Player B is working on the painting element, and Player C interrupts to start laying the groundwork for outer space, Player A will likely feel rather confused. (This is actually what I’ve modeled in my example a little, inadvertently, in my efforts to show different ways of offering clues.) And through it all, remember that you outnumber the endowee three to one, so be sure to give them ample time to process and respond to each move.
3.) For the interviewee. Make strong and grounded assumptions. Listen closely to any peculiar phrasing your future bosses might use. And endeavor to offer up new ways of saying old things when you do till over similar terrain so that your scene partners can mine your language for new possibilities. If the scene starts to feel like a guessing game… “Am I a this” “Am I a that?” then the entertainment value will dwindle accordingly. Assuming a strong character point of view, mannerisms, energy, and presence, all can serve the story and discovery. Ideally, the audience has been coached to help you with their reactions as well, so don’t lose sight of that element of the scene. At the end of the day, you should really want the job (even if you don’t know what it is) as this need will push you to impress the panel with your detailed experiences and skillsets!
In Performance
The temptation with all endowment games is to focus on “getting it right” rather than risk getting it delightfully “wrong.” So much more fun awaits with this second approach.
New to ImprovDr.com or the Game Library? You can find the ever-expanding collection of games, exercises, and warm-ups here. Or a gibberish scenic iteration of this same idea here.
Cheers, David Charles.
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Photo Credit: James Berkley
© 2026 David Charles/ImprovDr
The R&D Show Expansion Pack
