String of Pearls
A low-barrier audience game built on dramatic delivery and minimal improv, where volunteers fill in a story one line at a time between a fixed first and last sentence.
Group Size
5–15
Duration
5 to 20 minutes
Formation
Line
Setting
Indoor
Energy Level
Low
Activity Level
Inactive
Physical Contact
None
How to Lead It
The leader asks for someone willing to repeat themselves a lot. That person stands in front of the group and says the opening line of a story, usually a single sentence. The leader then asks for someone to say the last line of the story, and emphasizes that the two lines do not need to connect or make sense yet. The first person repeats their opening line and the last person says theirs.
The leader then asks for volunteers one by one to fill in the middle. As people join, they stand in a line facing the audience, shoulders aligned, with some space between them. A volunteer can slot in at any point in the line except before the first line or after the last line, which stay fixed.
Every time someone new joins, the group tells the story again from the beginning, including the new line when it comes up. Play continues until the gaps are filled and the group is satisfied with the story.
Adapting for Group Size
This is an audience game. The watching audience can be any size. In practice no more than about 15 people will actually step up to add a line.
Leading Tips
If the group is low on confidence, suggest the opening volunteer start with "Once upon a time."
Encourage people to slot into particular spots if the story needs it. If people start jumping up and forming the line without being prompted, let that happen.
Origin: Improv folk tradition
Leaders Who Teach This
Instructions and tips are ECRS's own descriptions. Any linked recordings or media belong to their original rights holders.