Three monkeys
A three-person scene with asymmetric restrictions: one can't hear, one can't see, one can't speak. Use this format when you need to train coordination, support and physical expressiveness with reduced communication channels.
Players
3
Difficulty
Beginner
Props
Yes
Full description
Setup and Launch
Clear the playing space and assign three participants different restrictions: absence of the auditory, visual or verbal channel. State the goal: build a simple, clear everyday situation through actions, facial expressions, tactile and sound offers.
Ask the group for a short prompt — a location, shared activity or object. Agree on the round duration and the coach's stop signal; if necessary, use the specified props to reinforce the restrictions.
How It Goes
During the scene the coach keeps pace, monitors the safety of the participant with closed eyes, and watches the clarity of the offered circumstances.
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Initiation. The performer with the verbal restriction first offers a simple action and object; partners confirm it and make it obvious.
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Development. The performer with the auditory restriction reads bodies and gazes, responding briefly and to the point; the partner with the visual restriction relies on hearing and clarifying questions.
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Clarification. If the meaning is lost, ask them to enlarge the action, repeat the key gesture, or state one fact aloud.
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Safety. Keep the "blind" performer in a clearly defined area, avoid sudden movements and obstacles; at any risk — stop immediately.
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Conclusion and rotation. After 2–3 minutes give a clear ending, then swap roles and repeat the round.
Between rounds give brief feedback: what read as an offer, what stayed unclear. Encourage economy of words and large physical choices. Need: blindfold and headphones
Key rules
Safety of the performer with closed eyes is the priority: limit the play zone, remove obstacles and keep vocal contact; if in doubt, call stop.
Ask for large gestures and action repetition: this makes physical offers readable for the partner with limited hearing.
The performer with restricted speech doesn't go into "solo mime": more often establish eye contact, offer simple actions and give partners space to verbalise them.
The performer with restricted hearing watches partners' lips and bodies, speaks in short phrases and doesn't try to shout over the scene.
If the scene stalls, give a specific micro-task ("what needs to be finished right now?") and restart from the last clear moment.
Context
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