The Train Game: A Level-Based Group Theater Exercise

Children move in small groups, lined up in single file, during the Train Game.

OBJECTIVES

Attention, concentration, use of space, and responsibility.

AGE

Ages 8 and up.

This game works simultaneously on attention and group dynamics.

To simplify considerably, I recognize three different ways of approaching the work within any group:

• some participants prefer to make decisions for everyone and take charge;

• some do not like taking on a leadership role and prefer to let others decide;

• others are what I call “observers”: they prefer to watch what happens and decide only later whether to take part.

By continually exchanging positions and responsibilities, every participant experiences all three roles.

RULES

Divide the participants into groups of at least four and no more than eight.

Each group stands in single file and forms a “train.” The trains spread throughout the space and begin moving according to a set of rules that gradually become more complex.

Move on to the next level only when all the groups have understood and can easily follow the rules of the previous level.

It is not necessary to complete every level. Stop at the level where the group continues to make mistakes and work on that level without adding further difficulties.

When repeated over time, the game can be used to observe progress or new difficulties in concentration, attention, and group coordination.

HOW THE GROUPS MUST MOVE

• Participants walk in single file, remaining close without touching one another.

• They must not tell their fellow participants what the correct response is.

• Each train must maintain a relaxed, steady pace.

• A train must not cut across the path of another group.

• The trains must not keep walking around in circles.

• The trains must maintain enough distance from one another.

At Level 2, the last participant must quickly reach the front of the train. They must run alongside their own line, but only if the path is clear and without crossing the path of any other group.

Once you have confirmed that everyone can follow these movement rules, the progression can begin.

LEVEL 1 – FRONT

As the groups move, whenever the workshop leader calls “FRONT,” the participant at the front must step to the side, allow their train to pass, and rejoin it at the back.

During the change, the line must neither slow down nor speed up.

LEVEL 2 – BACK

Whenever the workshop leader calls “BACK,” the last participant must leave the line, run alongside their train, and take the first position.

Once again, the train must maintain a steady pace.

LEVEL 3 – ABOUT-FACE

At the command “ABOUT-FACE,” everyone turns around and the train sets off in the opposite direction.

The line must remain compact without stretching out during the change of direction.

LEVEL 4 – MIXED COMMANDS

The workshop leader mixes the three previous commands.

This is usually where the difficulties begin.

Using the sequence “FRONT – ABOUT-FACE – BACK,” for example, two people may move or no one may move at all. This happens because participants respond according to the position they occupied before the command rather than the one they occupy now.

Participants in the middle of the line will tend to tell the others what to do.

This level requires continuous attention: every participant must recognize the position they occupy at that precise moment and respond accordingly.

Three commands that are very simple when performed separately become complex when mixed together.

LEVEL 5 – FREE AND TOGETHER

At the command “FREE,” the lines break apart and all participants spread individually throughout the space, continuing to walk at the same pace.

At the next command, “TOGETHER,” they must rebuild their trains in exactly the same order as before.

They must do this while continuing to walk at a steady pace, without running, stopping, or waiting for anyone.

LEVEL 6 – ALL COMMANDS

The workshop leader mixes the commands from Levels 4 and 5:

• FRONT;

• BACK;

• ABOUT-FACE;

• FREE;

• TOGETHER.

LEVEL 7 – ROWS OF TWO

Two trains move alongside each other and form a single train made up of rows of two participants.

With this new arrangement, repeat Level 4, followed by Level 5 and then Level 6.

LEVEL 8 – SWITCH

As the trains move, at the command “SWITCH,” every participant must change places with the person walking beside them.

They must switch places without stopping, speeding up, or colliding.

LEVEL 9 – EVERYTHING COMBINED

The workshop leader mixes all the commands used in Level 7 with the command “SWITCH.”

The result of the game is not measured by the number of levels completed, but by the participants’ ability to keep their train together without prompting one another, speeding up, or leaving anyone behind.