Counting Together
The group counts from one to twenty together, one number per person, with no pre-planning, no signals and no agreed order. Two voices at once means starting over from one.
About
Counting Together is one of the most honest ensemble exercises there is. It requires no technique and no training beyond the willingness to listen and wait. A group that can reach twenty consistently has developed something real: a shared sense of timing and mutual trust. It is worth revisiting throughout a training programme to track how ensemble awareness develops.
How to Play
- 1
The group stands or sits in a circle. Eyes may be open or closed - both have different effects and are worth trying.
- 2
Anyone may say the next number at any time. Only one voice at once.
- 3
If two people speak simultaneously, the whole group says 'Back to one' together and restarts from 1.
- 4
There is no agreed order and no eye contact to signal turns. The counting should feel genuinely shared, not systematically organised.
- 5
The goal is 20. For experienced groups, try 30 or use a rule that adds one each time 20 is reached.
Variations
- -Letters of the alphabet. Category words (types of fruit, one per person). For advanced groups: count backwards from 20 without planning.