Pass Yes
Pass Yes is a circle warm-up in which players attempt to say the word "yes" at the exact same moment as a partner. One player turns to a neighbor and both try to speak simultaneously, then the receiving player turns to the next person and repeats the process. The exercise trains listening, eye contact, and the willingness to synchronize with another person rather than lead or follow.
Structure
Setup
Players stand in a circle facing inward.
Progression
One player turns to the person on their right and makes eye contact. Both players attempt to say "yes" at precisely the same instant. Neither player should count down or give a verbal cue. The synchronization comes from reading the other person's body language, breath, and intention.
Once the pair achieves a simultaneous "yes," the receiving player turns to the next person in the circle and repeats the process. The word travels around the circle.
If a pair fails to synchronize, they simply try again without discussion or apology. The emphasis is on connection, not perfection.
Variations
A player may reverse direction at any time by turning back to the person who just passed to them, sending the "yes" the other way around the circle. Once the group is comfortable, the facilitator can replace "yes" with a simultaneous clap (Simulclap), a finger snap (Simulsnap), or a silent clapping gesture.
How to Teach It
Objectives
Pass Yes develops two foundational ensemble skills: reading nonverbal cues and surrendering control. Players cannot succeed by deciding when to speak. They succeed by tuning into their partner's readiness and meeting them in the middle. This makes the exercise a practical introduction to the concept of mutual agreement that drives all collaborative improv work.
How to Explain It
"Turn to the person next to you and try to say 'yes' at the exact same time. No counting, no signals. Just look at each other and find the moment together. When you get it, the next person turns and does the same thing."
Scaffolding
Begin with no time pressure. Let each pair take as long as they need. Once the group has completed a full rotation, encourage them to find the moment faster on the second pass. Speed will come naturally as players learn to trust their instincts.
For groups that struggle, suggest they pay attention to breath rather than facial expression. The inhale before speaking is often the clearest signal.
Common Pitfalls
The most common issue is one player consistently leading while the other waits and follows. This produces a slight delay rather than true simultaneity. Coach both players to take equal responsibility for initiating.
A second issue is players who treat failed attempts as embarrassing. Reframe failure as information. The miss tells both players something about their timing and helps them adjust.
Worth Reading
See all books →
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
Acting Through Improv
Improv Through Theatresports
Lynda Belt; Rebecca Stockley
You Can Teach Improv (Yes, You!)
The Ultimate Guide to Class Planning, Skill Building, and Helping Every Student Leave With a Win
Andrew Berkowitz
The Improv Mindset
How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success
Keith Saltojanes
Pirate Robot Ninja
An Improv Fable
Billy Merritt; Will Hines
Related Exercises
Pass Ball
Pass Ball is a circle warm-up exercise in which players toss a real or imaginary ball around the group while maintaining eye contact with the intended recipient. Additional balls may be introduced to increase complexity, requiring the group to track multiple objects simultaneously. The exercise builds focus, nonverbal communication, and the habit of making clear, directed offers to specific partners rather than throwing ideas into the void.
Accepting Circle
Accepting Circle is a warm-up exercise in which players stand in a circle and practice receiving and building on each other's offers. One player initiates a sound, gesture, or phrase; the next player accepts it fully before adding their own. The exercise reinforces the foundational improv principle of "yes, and" in its simplest physical form.
Ball Toss
Ball Toss is a circle exercise in which players throw a ball to one another while maintaining eye contact and calling the recipient's name. As the pace increases or multiple balls enter play, the exercise tests group focus and communication under mounting complexity. It is one of the most widely used workshop warm-ups.
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.
Friendly Hands
Friendly Hands is a trust and connection exercise in which players reach out to shake hands or make physical contact with as many people as possible in a short time. The exercise breaks the physical barrier between participants and establishes a baseline of comfortable touch. It warms up the group's willingness to engage physically.
Silly Stinky Sexy
Silly Stinky Sexy is a warm-up exercise in which players walk around the space and a facilitator calls out one of three modes. Players must immediately embody the called quality in their walk, posture, and energy, training the ability to shift physical states on command.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Pass Yes. Retrieved March 19, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/pass-yes
The Improv Archive. "Pass Yes." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/pass-yes.
The Improv Archive. "Pass Yes." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/pass-yes. Accessed March 19, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.