Positive Chair Exercise
Positive Chair Exercise is a supportive exercise in which each player sits in a designated chair while the rest of the group shares genuine compliments or positive observations about that person. The exercise builds ensemble trust, counters the vulnerability of performance, and establishes a culture of mutual support within the group.
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Related Exercises
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.
You’re Amazing
You're Amazing is a supportive exercise in which players take turns receiving genuine praise and affirmation from the group. The exercise counters the vulnerability of performance by establishing a baseline of mutual admiration. It builds ensemble trust and sets a positive emotional tone for creative risk-taking.
I’m Great, You’re Great, We’re Great
I'm Great, You're Great, We're Great is an energizing group affirmation exercise in which participants affirm themselves, their partners, and the ensemble as a whole through eye contact, physical commitment, and full-voiced declaration. The exercise generates collective momentum and group warmth rapidly, and it trains performers to inhabit positive energy physically rather than performing positivity from a detached or self-conscious position.
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.
I Like You Because/I Love You Because
I Like You Because/I Love You Because is a connection exercise in which players take turns expressing genuine appreciation for specific qualities in their partners. The exercise builds trust, vulnerability, and ensemble warmth. It works best when participants move beyond surface compliments to specific, observed qualities.
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.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Positive Chair Exercise. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/positive-chair-exercise
The Improv Archive. "Positive Chair Exercise." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/positive-chair-exercise.
The Improv Archive. "Positive Chair Exercise." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/positive-chair-exercise. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.