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Exercises

Players move randomly through the space without making physical contact. The leader calls out a number and players gather into groups of that number. Players make physical contact with every other person in their group. The leader calls, “Mingle,” and all players resume moving randomly through the space. Different numbers continue to be called.

Exercises

Paired players face each other. One is the leader, the other the follower. The follower reflects the moves of the leader. After a while, they switch who leads and who follows.

Exercises

Two players stand two arm’s length away from each other and look into each other’s eyes for one minute. Without breaking eye contact, they move to one arm’s length away for one minute. Then they move toe-to-toe, while still looking into each other’s eyes for another minute. Finally they move to where their noses touch, and stay there for one minute.

Exercises

The president stands in the middle, with a bodyguard on either side, one in front and another behind. The bodyguard in front faces the president, all others face the same direction as the president. The president marches rhythmically, and all bodyguards do the same. As the president marches forward or backward, the bodyguards maintain their relative positions. When the president makes 90- and 180-degree turns, the bodyguards face the same direction, with the exception of bodyguard who is now in front, who faces the president. The president marches around with the bodyguards holding tight formation. Rotate players through so each has the opportunity to be president.

Exercises

Players stand in a circle. One player throws a sound to another player. The receiver catches the “soundball” by repeating the sound that was thrown. Then the receiver throws a new sound to someone else. Keep the soundball moving as quickly as possible.

Exercises

Catcher stands behind Faller, with hands a few inches from Faller’s shoulders. Faller asks, "Ready?" Catcher responds, "Ready." Then Faller falls backward, keeping the body straight. Catcher catches Faller, then sets Faller back up to center. Catcher moves hands back a few more inches and the process is repeated. Continue falling farther each time, until either player feels the limit of safety has been reached. Then trade roles.

Exercises

Two catchers stand at the far side of the room. With eyes closed, another player walks toward the catchers and is gently stopped before hitting the wall. The blind player opens eyes and takes the place of one of the catchers. The replaced catcher moves into the line of people who are waiting to cross the room.

Topics

Athletes, musicians, singers, and dancers all warm up. So do inter-actors. A warm-up prepares your mind and body before you practice alone, train with others, or perform with an audience.

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance