Improv Game: Zip Zap Zop

The one game you should definitely know

Author

Tyler Farley
August 02, 2024

Edition 18

Happy Friday folks — I am excited to bring you Edition 18 of IAW 🤯. The last few editions were improv lessons (like ‘how to control the applause’), so I am excited to be highlighting an improv game today. Here we go…

I would be remiss to not share this game with you.

In fact, it’s surprising I’ve made it this far without writing about this.

Zip Zap Zop is the improv game.

It has to be one of the most popular theatre/improv games out there. If you’ve done theatre, there’s a good chance you’ve played it.

It is taught in every 101, and people seem to have a love/hate relationship with it. It’s one of those games that’s stupid, simple, and still very good.

Goal of Zip Zap Zop

  • Make a group more comfortable together

  • Be comfortable making mistakes

  • Focusing on the present moment and the person speaking

Setup

  • Gather players into a circle — Ensure everyone can see each other clearly.

How to Play

If you don’t want to read the rules, here’s a 1 min video explaining them.

  • One player starts by clapping their hands together, pointing at another player, and saying "Zip."

  • The chosen player claps, points at another player, and says "Zap."

  • That player then claps, points at another player, and says "Zop."

  • Repeat: The game continues with players passing the "Zip," "Zap," and "Zop" around the circle in order: Zip, Zap, Zop, Zip, Zap, Zop, etc.

  • BONUS: You can play an ‘elimination-style’ version where you must leave the circle if you mess up. Play until there is one person standing

Note: The game typically starts slow and then picks up. It’s like a tongue twister, so someone is bound to mess up — and that’s okay! Mistakes are good.

There are TONS of ways to make this game harder too. If your group is advanced, you can try this version where each word is assigned to a specific direction.

Just like work…

This game is just like a conversation at work. We are constantly pinging ideas around, unsure when exactly we will jump in and what exactly we will say. We should always be responding to whatever was said before us. We must be listening to those around us to do so.

I want to know where you might plan to play this game - vote below!

Where would you try Zip Zap Zop?

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Get zipping, get zapping, and get zopping — reply with any q’s

Tyler