Improv Game: Passing the Line 

Written by Jason W Miller – This article is from AIM Issue 3 (released July 2025).

Introduction

In this section, we highlight a game by walking you through its design and setup, explaining its goals, and sharing key debrief questions. For applied improvisers, the debrief is often the most important part of any game—after all, as Thiagi says, “The game is just an excuse for the debrief.”

We feature games that work well both in-person and in virtual settings. We hope this inspires you and encourages you to share how you're using these exercises in your own practice. Furthermore, we also want to hear back where games originated from.

Description

An adaptation of the in person game Take Some Direction, Passing the Line is a dynamic improv game designed for virtual settings, allowing all participants to play together on-screen without the need for breakout rooms. The game involves each participant taking a turn to say a chosen line with an assigned twist, then passing it on to the next person with a new direction. This exercise encourages spontaneity, adaptability, and collaboration within a large group.

How to Play:

Setup:
The facilitator or director selects a simple line that everyone will say during the game, such as “Wash the plate” or “Please pass the salt.”

All 30 participants will have a chance to say this line in turn, with each adding their own creative twist based on directions given by the previous participant.

Starting the Game:
The facilitator begins by giving the first direction. For example, they might say, “Jessica, say ‘Wash the plate’ with more gusto!”

Jessica then says the line “Wash the plate!” with extra enthusiasm or gusto, following the direction.

Passing the Line:
After Jessica performs the line, she picks another participant by name (visible on the Zoom screen) and gives them a new direction, such as “Shoquis, say ‘Wash the plate’ with fear!”

Shoquis then says the line with an element of fear and chooses another participant, giving them a new direction.

Keep the Flow Going:
Each participant takes a turn, picking someone new each time until everyone has performed the line with a different direction.

Participants should be encouraged to give creative directions, including emotional shifts (e.g., “like you’re thrilled”), physical shifts (e.g., “as if you’re exhausted”), or character styles (e.g., “like a movie star”).

Optional Debrief:
After all participants have gone, the facilitator can either start a new round with a fresh line or lead a quick reflection on the experience.

Ask questions like, “How did it feel to adapt to a new direction on the spot?” or “What was it like to anticipate your turn and respond creatively?”

Benefits & Skills Developed

Adaptability:
Participants practice adjusting their performance in real-time to fit new directions, fostering mental agility and flexibility.

Listening and Responsiveness:
Each person has to actively listen to their direction and be prepared to pass it on, which strengthens their attention and responsiveness in group settings.

Creativity and Spontaneity:
The game encourages players to think creatively about how to interpret directions and pass on unique twists, building confidence in self-expression.

Connection and Teamwork:
By working as a large, unified group, participants build camaraderie and learn to rely on each other, creating a sense of community and trust.

Debrief Questions