Acting and interpretation
Silent Phrase Charades
Use gestures to show a short familiar phrase. The audience explains what it noticed before the actor reveals the answer.
The host can quietly read a prompt to the actor.
Download the host card PDFBring to the table
- The prompt list below or a few paper slips
- A clear space beside the table
Set up
- Agree that actors stay in their own clear space and mime with empty hands. Nobody needs to climb, chase, lift another person or use a real prop.
- Choose one actor or a willing pair. The host quietly supplies a phrase; everyone may choose a different prompt or pass.
How to play
- Actors use gestures but no spoken words or drawn letters. The audience takes turns proposing a phrase.
- Allow about one minute, then reveal the phrase even if it was not guessed. Invite the actor to explain a gesture.
- Rotate so each willing player can act. A helpful clue from the host is allowed if the group asks for it.
Too many cooks spoil the broth
Two actors can mime stirring the same imaginary pot and disagreeing about what to add. The audience may describe “people cooking together” before reaching the full phrase. Accept the intended meaning rather than insisting on exact wording.
Your three-part session
Preview all the prompts here. The host controls the pace and can repeat, skip or shorten a part to suit the group.
1. Everyday action
Host-only choice: opening an umbrella, searching for a lost key, or wrapping a present. Show the actor one choice privately.
2. A familiar phrase
Host-only choice: time flies, a fish out of water, or too many cooks spoil the broth. Explain an unfamiliar phrase before acting.
3. A willing pair
Two actors choose a short phrase together and agree on two gestures. Give the audience one spoken category clue if needed.
Host one part at a time
Use this on the host’s screen. It keeps the current instruction visible while your group plays.
Everyday action
Host-only choice: opening an umbrella, searching for a lost key, or wrapping a present. Show the actor one choice privately.
A familiar phrase
Host-only choice: time flies, a fish out of water, or too many cooks spoil the broth. Explain an unfamiliar phrase before acting.
A willing pair
Two actors choose a short phrase together and agree on two gestures. Give the audience one spoken category clue if needed.
Ready when your group is.
Offer more support
Use a concrete action instead of an idiom, or let the actor and a buddy practise once with the host.
Add a challenge
Act a familiar phrase in two short scenes and ask the audience to connect them. Keep the meaning familiar to the players.
If something goes wrong
If the audience has never heard a phrase, reveal and explain it; do not treat that as a failure to observe. Avoid prompts based on a guest’s appearance or habits.
Finish together
Give every willing actor a turn, then ask the group which gesture communicated most clearly.