Growing and Shrinking Machine
Growing and Shrinking Machine is a group exercise in which players build a human machine of interconnected sounds and movements, then the machine grows as players join one at a time and shrinks as they leave. The facilitator may control the speed, intensity, or emotion of the machine. The exercise trains ensemble coordination and the ability to contribute a complementary part to a group creation.
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Related Exercises
Machine
Machine is a group exercise in which one player starts a repeating movement and sound, and the rest of the group joins one at a time until the ensemble becomes one interlocking human machine. Each new part has to connect to what is already happening instead of operating as a separate solo. The exercise trains timing, ensemble awareness, physical commitment, and the habit of building something together in full view of the room.
Activity Starter
Activity Starter is a group exercise in which one player begins a physical activity and other players gradually enter to mirror or extend it. The exercise builds ensemble attunement and physical awareness by requiring players to read and respond to a shared movement rather than a verbal cue.
Supernova
Supernova is a high-energy group exercise in which performers start small and gradually build a collective physical and vocal explosion of energy, reaching a peak and then returning to stillness. The exercise calibrates the group's dynamic range and teaches players to build and release energy together.
Rhythm Machine Part One: The Blank Machine
The Blank Machine is the first part of a three-part rhythm machine sequence in which participants build a group 'machine' by adding repeating sounds and movements one at a time. Each person contributes a distinct mechanical component, creating an interlocking system of rhythm, sound, and motion that represents the ensemble working as a unified whole.
Energy Breathing
Energy Breathing is a breathing exercise that combines breath work with visualization and physical energy. Players breathe deeply while imagining they are drawing energy from the ground, the air, or the group. The exercise prepares the body for physical performance while centering the mind.
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.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Growing and Shrinking Machine. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine
The Improv Archive. "Growing and Shrinking Machine." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine.
The Improv Archive. "Growing and Shrinking Machine." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/growing-and-shrinking-machine. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.