The Oracle
The Oracle is a game that can be played by people of all experience levels. It is often used as a warm-up game in acting classes, or before a live improv performance. It is good for team building skills, requires listening and trusting of your fellow performers.
Step 1
3 actors are placed in a vertical line, with one standing, one sitting in front of him in a chair and one sitting on the floor in front of the chair. The idea is that the three actors embody one person. They create the “oracle,” or an expert.
Step 2
The audience is informed by the “host” or “director” that the actors on stage are collectively playing the oracle. The oracle is a special being that will answer any question asked of it, speaking as one person and using one word at time to create their answers. An example question may be given, such as “Oracle, what is the meaning of life?”
Step 3
The standing player at the top of the oracle should start the answer to the first question, the middle player will start the next answer, and the bottom player will start the last answer. The question should always be repeated in the answer: “ The”… “meaning”… “of”… “life”… “is”… and continue until the question has been answered. Once the end has become obvious, the player who’s turn it is to speak the next word will then end the sentence with a punctuation mark: “Period.”
Step 4
The host will ask the audience for questions to ask the oracle. The players attempt to find the direction of each sentence one word at a time. The sentence often goes in a different direction than the first actor intended, but the results can be hysterical, especially if all 3 players remain committed to one another.
Step 5
The host should find an organic conclusion to the game. An answer is sometimes so incredibly funny that it becomes the perfect moment to end the game. The host will wrap up the game by thanking the oracle expert and the audience. It is important to always end on a high note, leaving the audience wanting more.
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