Here is a game anyone can play. But as you get better, this game will be one of the best story telling games you ever play. Start with the basics and then try these and other variations.
CONDUCTED STORY 101: Basically players (except MC) line up shoulder to shoulder. The MC will conduct the story.When he/she points at you, you talk. When the hand moves away, you stop. Be sure to incoporate good story telling techniques. Have a clear beginning, middle and end. Develop strong characters and locations (WHO & WHERE). Move the story forward with details.
ELIMINATION: After you have played this game a few time, try playing elimination conducted story. Basically, if you mess up you are out. Winner is the last player standing! Mess ups include repeating a word just spoken, talking after the MC has moved away, not picking up the story right from where it was left off (sometimes mid word or even mid syllable), blocking a suggestion, long pauses etc. Be clear to set these parameters to all before starting. We usually let a mistake or two go by as a warm up before getting picky.
AUTHORS: Before starting the story, try assigning each player an author, celebrity, politician or other recognizable character. When it is your turn, continue the story but use elements from your author/character to shape the story. Add elements from that author’s worlds and characters. The trick though is to keep the primary narrative moving forward.
We always perform this game as AUTHORS. A great challenge, it is a chance to raise the literary bar for your audiences. Challenge yourself with authors that are new or vague to you. Limit the number of pop culture figures. One makes a fun twist. Two usually kills the story with annoying dribble. Also, this is a great educational tool to get students excited about litery classics. Shakespeare, Dickens, Hawthore, and more can get a life size treatment.
