Commando
Commando is a high-energy physical game in which players navigate an imagined obstacle course or battlefield, reacting to called-out hazards and commands. The exercise demands full physical commitment and rapid shifts between actions. It raises group energy and breaks down self-consciousness through shared physical absurdity.
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Related Exercises
Obstacle Course
Obstacle Course is a physical exercise in which players navigate a real or imagined series of obstacles using their bodies expressively. The exercise may be used to build physical confidence, practice environment work, or warm up the body before performance. It trains spatial awareness and encourages bold physical choices.
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.
Fistorama
Fistorama is a high-energy physical exercise in which players engage in exaggerated, theatrical "combat" using oversized gestures and sound effects. No actual contact is made; the focus is on committed physicality and dramatic reaction. The exercise builds physical boldness and the stage combat skill of making big without making contact.
Millipede
Millipede is a physical ensemble exercise in which a line of players moves together as a single connected organism, typically with hands on the shoulders or waist of the person ahead. The group must coordinate speed, direction, and stops without verbal communication. The exercise builds physical trust and nonverbal group sensitivity.
Arm Zapper
Arm Zapper is a physical energiser in which players generate and rapidly release tension through sharp arm movements. The exercise wakes up the body, raises group energy, and serves as a quick reset between more intensive activities.
Character Walk
Character Walk is an exercise in which players move through the space while gradually adjusting their physicality to build a character from the feet up. Changes in gait, posture, tempo, and weight distribution produce distinct personas. The exercise demonstrates how physical choices generate character without any need for backstory or dialogue.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Commando. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/commando
The Improv Archive. "Commando." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/commando.
The Improv Archive. "Commando." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/commando. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.