Firing Squad
Firing Squad is a scene game in which one performer faces a line of players who rapid-fire questions, challenges, or scene initiations. The solo performer must respond to each without hesitation. The exercise builds resilience under pressure and trains the ability to accept any offer instantly.
Worth Reading
See all books →
The Actor's Book of Improvisation
Sandra Caruso; Paul Clemens
Improvisation for Actors and Writers
A Guidebook for Improv Lessons in Comedy
Bill Lynn
Drama Games and Improvs
Games for the Classroom and Beyond
Justine Jones; Mary Ann Kelley
112 Acting Games
Gavin Levy
Theater Games for the Lone Actor
Viola Spolin
Improv Ideas
A Book of Games and Lists
Mary Ann Kelley; Justine Jones
Related Exercises
Walkout
Walkout is a scene game in which performers can walk out of a scene at any point, and whoever remains must justify the departure and continue. The unpredictability of exits forces improvisers to stay alert and adaptable. The game trains the ability to maintain scene coherence despite sudden changes in cast.
Solitaire
Solitaire is a solo performance exercise in which a single performer improvises a complete scene or monologue without any scene partners. The player must populate the world with implied characters, environment, and narrative through their own voice and physicality alone. The exercise develops self-reliance, strong point of view, and the ability to sustain audience engagement independently.
Time Bomb
Time Bomb is a fast-paced game in which players must complete a task, answer a question, or contribute to a scene before an imaginary or real timer expires. The countdown creates urgency that eliminates hesitation. The game rewards quick instincts and teaches performers to trust their first response.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Firing Squad. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/firing-squad
The Improv Archive. "Firing Squad." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/firing-squad.
The Improv Archive. "Firing Squad." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/firing-squad. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.