Rug Flip
Rug Flip is a teamwork exercise in which a group of players must flip a rug or tarp completely over while all standing on it, without anyone stepping off. The exercise demands nonverbal coordination, spatial problem-solving, and physical trust. It is borrowed from team-building traditions and adapted for improv workshop use.
Worth Reading
See all books →
112 Acting Games
Gavin Levy
Playing Along
37 Group Learning Activities Borrowed from Improvisational Theater
Izzy Gesell
The Improvisation Game
Discovering the Secrets of Spontaneous Performance
Chris Johnston
Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Group Improvisation
The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
Peter Campbell Gwinn; Charna Halpern
The Art of Making Sh!t Up
Using the Principles of Improv to Become an Unstoppable Powerhouse
Norm LaViolette; Bob Melley
Related Exercises
Flip
Flip is an editing technique and game in which the host or a performer signals a scene to "flip" to a parallel scene, a different time period, or an alternate perspective. The flip creates juxtaposition between contrasting moments. The technique trains performers to hold multiple threads and make clean transitions.
Shuffle
Shuffle is a physical warm-up exercise in which players mill through the space and must quickly form groups of a called-out number when the facilitator gives the signal. Players who cannot find a complete group in time are eliminated or take a forfeit. The exercise builds physical energy, spatial awareness, and the habit of actively and immediately seeking connection with other players.
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.
Whoosh
Whoosh is an energetic circle exercise in which players pass a sound-and-gesture impulse around the group with the option to reverse, deflect, or redirect using different sounds and movements. The exercise is typically played as a layered game in which new moves are introduced one at a time, building complexity and requiring players to hold multiple rules simultaneously. The exercise builds group energy, quick decision-making, and the habit of sending and receiving clear physical signals.
Run Around
Run Around is a physical warm-up exercise in which players move through the space and respond to commands called by the facilitator. The exercise builds spatial awareness, group attentiveness, and physical readiness by requiring participants to shift direction, speed, or movement quality on cue.
Stop Shuffle Walk Drop
Stop Shuffle Walk Drop is a physical warm-up exercise in which players move around the space and respond to four commands: stop (freeze), shuffle (small quick steps), walk (normal walking), and drop (fall to the ground). The facilitator progressively swaps the meanings of commands to challenge automatic responses.
The Lineage
Explore the schools and structures that influenced or evolved from Rug Flip.
112 Acting Games (Levy)
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Rug Flip. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/exercises/rug-flip
The Improv Archive. "Rug Flip." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/exercises/rug-flip.
The Improv Archive. "Rug Flip." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/exercises/rug-flip. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.