Cat and Mouse
Cat and Mouse is a physical warm-up in which one player chases another through and around a group. Variations add rules about how the group can help or hinder either player. The exercise raises energy, builds spatial awareness, and encourages playful physical interaction.
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Related Exercises
Copycat
Copycat is a mirroring exercise in which one player leads and a partner copies every movement, facial expression, and sound as closely as possible. As the exercise progresses, the distinction between leader and follower blurs until both move as one. The exercise develops physical sensitivity and the foundational skill of following a partner's impulses.
Touch and Go
Touch and Go is an exercise in which performers must physically touch an object or part of the environment before speaking, grounding every line of dialogue in a specific physical action. The constraint connects speech to physicality and teaches players to inhabit their environment rather than standing and talking.
Scorpion
Scorpion is a physical exercise in which players move around the space with a specific body part designated as the scorpion's stinger, which other players must avoid being touched by. The exercise builds spatial awareness, physical agility, and playful competitive energy within the group.
Run Around
Run Around is a physical warm-up exercise in which players move through the space and respond to commands called by the facilitator. The exercise builds spatial awareness, group attentiveness, and physical readiness by requiring participants to shift direction, speed, or movement quality on cue.
Dog, Dog, Dog
Dog, Dog, Dog is a group warm-up exercise in which players repeat a word while performing a corresponding action, then switch to a new word and action on a signal. The exercise trains focus, the ability to follow group shifts, and comfort with repetitive, committed physical choices. It builds ensemble synchronization.
Back Dancing
Back Dancing is a physical warm-up in which two players stand back to back and move together, each responding to the pressure and rhythm of the other's body. Without visual cues, players must rely on physical sensitivity to stay connected. The exercise builds nonverbal communication and physical trust.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Cat and Mouse. Retrieved September 29, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/cat-and-mouse
The Improv Archive. "Cat and Mouse." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/cat-and-mouse.
The Improv Archive. "Cat and Mouse." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/cat-and-mouse. Accessed September 29, 2026.
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