Red Ball
OVERVIEW
Write up by RA Corporate Instructor, Ari Voukydis.
Primarily used as a warm up, Red Ball develops hyper-focused attention, non-verbal
communication, and group mind by tracking multiple imaginary objects in space. Often appears in workshops focused on:
Communication
Concentration
Listening
Sales
Team Building
REQUIREMENTS
Number of Participants:
Minimum: 5 participants / Maximum: 16 participants
Time Required:
Minimum: 10 minutes / Maximum: 15 minutes
Materials Needed:
None
EXERCISE INSTRUCTIONS
Core Mechanics (Single Object):
Setup: The group stands in a circle.
The Pass: Player A makes firm eye contact with Player B. Player A mimes holding a specific object (e.g., a ball) and tosses it gently to B. As they pass it, they clearly say, "Player B's Name, Red Ball."
The Reception: Player B must make firm eye contact with A, mime catching the ball,
and acknowledge receipt by saying, "Red Ball, thank you."
Continuation: Player B now becomes the passer. They make eye contact with Player
C, mime tossing the ball, and say, "Player C's Name, Red Ball." Player C responds,
"Red Ball, thank you," and the pattern continues.
Key Rules/Principles (The "How"):
Clarity is King: Every pass must be unambiguous. This means:
Sharp Eye Contact: The pass isn't complete until the receiver sees it and
acknowledges it.
Clear Verbal Cue: The name and the object must be stated distinctly.
Defined Physicality: The mimed toss and catch should have a consistent size, weight,
and energy for each specific object.
The Ritual: The specific call-and-response "Name, Red Ball" / "Red Ball, thank you,"
is a ritual that ensures the pass is complete before moving on. It prevents drops and
sloppy passes.
Acknowledgment Before Action: A player cannot pass until they have fully received
and acknowledged the object currently in their possession.
Adding Complexity: Multiple Objects
The true challenge of the game begins when more objects are added.
• A second object (e.g., a "Blue Ball") is introduced by a player, often once the
first object is stable.
• The objects are passed independently around the circle. They can cross paths,
be passed to someone who just passed one, etc.
• More objects can be added (e.g., "eyeball," “chicken,” “pizza.”). Each object
should have its own unique physicality and weight.
The Ultimate Goal: The group's task is to keep all objects moving smoothly without any "drops" (a missed pass, a fumbled catch, a mis-identified object). The rhythm should be consistent, and the focus should remain calm even as chaos seems to reign.
INSTRUCTOR DISCUSSION POINTS / LEARNING TAKEAWAYS
COMMUNICATION
(Clarity of Offer)
It teaches players to make their stage offers (here, a pass) crystal clear for their scene partners.
CONCENTRATION
(Laser-Focused Attention)
Players must track multiple offers (objects)
simultaneously while staying ready for their own name to be called.
NONVERBAL LISTENING / COMMUNICATION
(Accepting and Acknowledging)
The "thank you" is a physical and verbal
confirmation of "Yes, I accept this reality you have created," a foundational improv principle in improv - YES AND.
TEAM BUILDING
(Ensemble Mind or Group Mind)
The group functions as a single unit to
manage the flow of energy and information. You feel the group's success or failure collectively.
STAYING IN THE MOMENT
(Working Under Pressure)
Managing several objects creates a manageable pressure that forces performers out of their heads and into the moment.
