Mirrors
Two players face each other: one leads with slow, fluid movements while the other mirrors them exactly. The goal is to blur the line between leader and follower until the movement feels shared.
About
Mirrors is one of Viola Spolin's foundational theatre exercises and remains essential for good reason. It builds physical attunement, sustained eye contact and the improvisational skill of following with genuine commitment rather than half-hearted reaction. The advanced 'no leader' phase is where real ensemble awareness emerges.
How to Play
- 1
Stand in pairs, facing each other at arm's length. Designate a leader.
- 2
The leader begins moving slowly - arms, head, torso, weight shifts. No sudden or large movements.
- 3
The follower mirrors every movement with the aim of perfect synchronisation. The goal is to make it impossible to tell who is leading.
- 4
The facilitator calls 'Switch' to transfer leadership mid-exercise, then 'Switch' again to transfer back.
- 5
Finally: 'No leader.' Both players continue moving, sharing leadership intuitively. Run this phase for at least two full minutes before debriefing.
Variations
- -Mirror walk: pairs mirror each other while moving through the space. Group mirror: one leader, the whole ensemble mirrors from wherever they are in the room.