Holy Father
Also known as: Confession
Two chairs back to back: one performer is the Holy Father, the rest take turns coming to confession and admitting sins on the chosen "church" theme (sweets, family, etc.). Useful for training thematic connections, consistent character, and quick concise confessions.
Players
2–8
Difficulty
Beginner
Full description
Setup and Launch
Place two chairs back to back on stage so that both seated people face sideways to the audience. Assign one performer as the permanent Holy Father; the rest will enter one by one as parishioners. Ask the audience for a theme: "What church does the action take place in?" (e.g., the church of sweets, pets, sport, board games).
State the boundaries: short confessions on the theme, no real religious criticism or traumatising topics. Designate a conventional end-of-confession signal (gesture/"thank you") and the order of entrances to maintain rhythm.
How It Goes
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The parishioner arrives. The performer enters, takes the parishioner's chair, and immediately formulates a specific transgression connected to the chosen "church".
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The Holy Father responds. A brief reaction and, if necessary, one clarifying question for details; then — advice/"penance" or a clear resolution.
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Conclusion and rotation. The coach gives an end signal after 20–40 seconds or when the joke/story reaches a clear button. The parishioner exits, the next one is already ready to enter; the Holy Father stays in place and maintains a consistent character throughout the round.
Key rules
Start each confession with a clear statement of the transgression — no long lead-ins; this saves time and immediately establishes focus.
Every sin must be tied to the "church" theme with specifics (terms, objects, rituals), or the scene loses shape.
The Holy Father maintains one stable character and responds briefly; don't turn the scene into an interrogation — land on advice or an absurd "penance".
One confession — 20–40 seconds; if energy drops or repetition sets in, the coach says "thank you" and calls the next.
Watch for safe topics: avoid real religious controversy and traumatic content; choose funny, everyday or absurd "churches".
Context
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