Party Quirks
An improv guessing game where a party host has to work out the strange hidden quirk each of their arriving guests is playing.
Group Size
3–6
Duration
8 to 15 minutes
Formation
Stage and audience
Setting
Indoor
Energy Level
High
Activity Level
Somewhat Active
Materials Needed
Quirks written on small scraps of paper, in a hat or similar container to draw from.
Physical Contact
None
How to Lead It
Before leading this game, the leader collects or writes a set of quirks on small scraps of paper and puts them in a hat or similar container so players can draw at random. Example quirks: "Afraid of people shorter than them." or "Slowly turning into a giraffe."
The group chooses a volunteer to be the host, who is the guesser. The rest of the players form a line offstage and secretly draw their quirks. The host leaves the room, somewhere out of earshot, so the guests can share their quirks with the audience, then returns.
The host briefly prepares for the party, miming setting up food or decorations. After a few seconds the first guest knocks or rings the doorbell. A minute or two later the next guest enters, and so on. The host interacts with the guests and makes as many guesses as they like for each one. A guest who is guessed leaves the stage. Usually every guest is on stage before the first one leaves, but not always.
Variations
Do not have the host leave, and keep the quirks secret from the audience too, so they can play along and guess.
Adapting for Group Size
An audience game. The watching audience can be any size. On stage: one host and roughly two to four guests.
Leading Tips
Remind players not to talk over each other. When the host is dealing with one or two guests, the guests in the background should switch to silent miming rather than talking or making noise.
Watch the blocking. Speak toward the audience and do not stand in front of another player.
Origin: Popularized by Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Leaders Who Teach This
Instructions and tips are ECRS's own descriptions. Any linked recordings or media belong to their original rights holders.