Bunny Bunny
A warmup for rhythm and concentration: the group holds a shared beat with claps or stomps; the active player points bunny paws at a partner and calls "bunny-bunny"; the target replies "not a bunny, no-no-no" and immediately passes it on.
Full description
Setup and Launch
Everyone stands in a circle. This is a rhythmic pass built on a shared beat -- one of the most popular improv warm-ups out there. The group maintains a continuous pulse with claps or stomps while the coach demonstrates the "bunny paws" gesture: arms bent in front of your chest, hands hanging loosely like paws.
Introduce the call-and-response formula: the active player points their paws at a chosen partner and says "bunny-bunny"; the target replies "I'm not a bunny, no-no-no." Designate the first active player and go.
Flow
-
Shared beat. Everyone holds a steady clap or stomp without gaps -- this is the unchanging foundation. The mumble of the group keeping time creates a satisfying drone of energy.
-
The call. On the beat, the active player locks eyes with someone across the circle, raises their paws, and says "bunny-bunny" -- squarely on the pulse.
-
The response. The targeted player answers in the same rhythm: "I'm not a bunny, no-no-no," staying inside the shared tempo.
-
The pass. Immediately after responding, that player becomes active and redirects the call to someone new -- same gesture, same rhythm, no hesitation.
-
Continuity. If someone stumbles, the shared beat does not stop. The group holds tempo and the stumbler rejoins on the next available beat.
Key rules
Keep a single, unbroken beat (clap/stomp) going for the whole group -- it never stops.
The active player's paw-point and call land strictly on the shared pulse.
The target's response stays in rhythm -- no delays, no drops.
After responding, the target immediately becomes active and passes the call on.
Don't break the tempo: if you slip, rejoin the shared beat on the next count and keep going.
Context
What to try next
Similar formats, so you can keep the rehearsal moving without stopping to search.
Hop-Hey-Ho
Performer A raises sword-like arms — "hop"; makes a chopping motion toward chosen B — "hey" (passes the impulse); raises arms again — "ho", and two of their neighbors sy…
Bird-bird-bird
The group clearly beats out the "heavy" syllables (ptku/ptko/ptka...) at increasing tempo; you can stomp feet and conduct rhythms. Relieves tension, warms up breathing a…
Synchronized Claps
Circle warmup for attention and coordination: an impulse travels around the group through a simultaneous clap between neighbors. Players focus on eye contact and body te…
1–2–3–4–5 “PARTY!”
The group chaotically "passes" the count 1–5, directing numbers at each other; on "5" the three people closest to the recipient throw up their hands and shout "PARTY!" F…
I Am a Tree / I Take It with Me
A warmup for physicality and group mind. One player steps in, strikes a pose, and names what they are — two others build on it; the first player leaves taking one with t…
Cat Finds Home
A warmup for attention and quick reactions: everyone stands in a circle, one person in the center — the "cat." The cat catches someone's gaze; a nod means the cat takes …