Circle Sitting
Circle Sitting is a trust exercise in which players stand in a tight circle, turn to face the same direction, and simultaneously sit on the knees of the person behind them. When successful, the entire group supports each other in a freestanding circle of seated bodies. The exercise demonstrates the power of collective trust and cooperation.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Playing Along
37 Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisational Theater
Izzy Gesell
Improvisation for the Theater
A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques
Viola Spolin
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
The Improvisation Game
Discovering the Secrets of Spontaneous Performance
Chris Johnston
Theater Games for Rehearsal
Viola Spolin
Theater Games for the Classroom
Viola Spolin
Related Exercises
Concentration Circle
Concentration Circle is a focus exercise in which players stand in a circle and pass increasingly complex patterns of words, numbers, gestures, or sounds. Multiple patterns run simultaneously, demanding divided attention. The exercise builds the concentration and multitasking skills needed to track multiple threads during a performance.
Cross Circle
Cross Circle is a spatial awareness exercise in which players walk across the circle to swap places with another player, using only eye contact to coordinate. Multiple pairs cross simultaneously without colliding. The exercise trains nonverbal communication, spatial awareness, and trust in shared physical negotiation.
Improvisation Dance Circle
Improvisation Dance Circle is a movement exercise in which players take turns stepping into the center of a circle to perform spontaneous dance or movement. The circle provides a supportive framework for individual expression. The exercise builds physical confidence and comfort with being watched while moving freely.
Three in a Circle
Three in a Circle is a focus exercise in which three players stand in a circle and must simultaneously track multiple tasks such as counting, passing gestures, and maintaining eye contact patterns. The overlapping demands train split attention and the ability to process multiple inputs, skills essential to ensemble performance.
Circle of Knots
Circle of Knots is a group problem-solving exercise in which players reach across the circle to take two different hands, then work together to untangle the resulting human knot. The exercise requires patience, spatial reasoning, and collaborative communication. It is closely related to Arm Tangle and commonly used as an icebreaker.
Sound Circle
Sound Circle is an exercise in which players stand in a circle and build a collective soundscape, with each person contributing a unique vocal sound that layers into a group composition. A conductor may direct the volume, tempo, and texture of the ensemble. The exercise develops group listening, vocal range, and the ability to contribute to a shared creation.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Circle Sitting. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/circle-sitting
The Improv Archive. "Circle Sitting." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/circle-sitting.
The Improv Archive. "Circle Sitting." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/circle-sitting. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.