There is a well of possibility and fun in improvisation, and digging into it only requires two things: an open mind and saying yes. Improvisation has become a popular form of theatre here in Edmonton, with multiple companies popping up and spotlighting the art form – such as The Grindstone Theatre and Rapid Fire Theatre – as well as improv shows being a prominent feature at the Edmonton Fringe Festival (which starts tomorrow!). Many games use improvisation elements in them, but some make improvisation their core tenet. Today, let’s chat about that!

Improv games tend to be straightforward and without complex rules, which allows for players to express their creativity. The games will often use cards that have keywords or phrases on them to help start the creative process – but often players will have to develop a “story” or “reason” beyond what’s printed, and thus the improvisation begins. 

First we have Snake Oil, a game about selling customers on fantastical items that will “cure what ails ya!” There are two roles: customer and salesperson. As the customer, the player will draw a “role” card, thus determining who they are. These roles are wild and varied, such as “dog”, “superhero”, “caveman”, and “last person on earth”. After the customer’s role has been determined, players will choose two cards from their hand to combine into an item that the customer will absolutely need as it will solve some or all of their problems. Such as the words “hope” and “costume” – it’s something you, as a superhero, could use. The customer picks the item from the salesperson that sways them the most, and the salesperson now has a point. Whoever has the most roles cards at the end, wins!

Following a similar theme we have Red Flags – a game about terrible dates. Each round someone is the “Single” aka the friend who is looking for a long term relationship, and everyone else is a helpful friend who knows a perfect person for them… with the caveat that each date has a glaring red flag waving above them. Players pick two white cards that list positive traits on them, traits that would hopefully appeal to the single person, like “loves to cuddle” and “owns an island in the Bahamas”. After they’ve picked and revealed them, everyone plays a “Red Flag” card on the person to their left – thus making their perfect date much less desirable. Now, players need to argue as to why their date is still the best match – at least, better than everyone else’s – and must make a case to the Single on why they should be picked. The person who is picked gets to keep the red card, and the person with the most wins. 

Lastly, we have a slightly more structured game that focuses on storytelling and not just card matching – Once Upon a Time. In Once Upon a Time players are given three types of cards: story cards, interrupt story cards, and ending cards. Your goal is to play all of your cards and finish with your ending card, thus winning the game. The game begins with one player becoming the Storyteller, and they start crafting a fairy tale through playing their cards. Other players can attempt to interrupt and take over the story by playing an interruption card, so that they become the Storyteller and control the tale, though interruptions can be contested. The game ends once a player has successfully played all their cards and finishes their tale with an ending card. The structure of this game forces you to be on your toes, waiting to leap in with an interruption and carry on the tale. It’s a wonderful game that has you craft a story together.

Improvisation games are a great way to get creative with your friends. They offer stories, laughter, and a way to get to know how well you can think on your feet and how well you know your friends. These are just a few examples, but there are many more games that use improvisation elements. If you’re ever curious just ask a Hexpert next time you’re in!