Video Skit

This activity really gets everyone working closely together but laughing through it all the way.

Although it's not necessary to start the activity this way, I find it a lot of fun for a number of reasons...

Set the scene by telling everyone that they are going to be taking part in an activity that will have them setting up a new colony in outer space. Provide them all with equal amounts of Monopoly money and sit them in front of the "Auction Table".

On the table have an assortment of items you collected from around your house or garage or purchased at a second hand store. On my table I have: a roll of toilet paper (only 1!), a paramedic uniform, a wedding dress, various suit jackets and pants, tacky women's clothing, a video game steering wheel, a tea set, a couple of telephones, an umbrella, and various other mixed items.

We then start the bidding. It will depend how much money people have and how many things you would like them to be able to purchase for the price you set to start the bidding. Allow the bidding on items to continue until all the items are gone or all the money is spent.

Upon completion of the auction inform the team(s) that they're not really going into space, rather they have to create a 5-10 minute video, with a topic of their choice, incorporating each and every item they just purchased.

***Because "performing" in front of a crowd can be extremely stressful for some people let them know that not every person needs to act in the skit. Other job duties may include: a director, a camera man, set design, costume arranger, etc.***

The time you have available for this activity may ultimately determine the time you allow people establish their skit. I like to tell people they have 20 minutes to prepare (to establish a sense of urgency), but then extend that time to 30 or 40 minutes or whatever time they require. You want to try and ensure the groups are able to bring a quality product to the table. Usually the first concept they begin to develop is not the one they ultimately enact.

Watching the skits live is always great fun, both for the actors as well as the audience. But it can also be a complete riot for fellow office workers or the family at home. This is why I always try and video tape the skits. If your group is going to make video of the skit, have that group film it themselves and remind them to frame it properly. Although it is fine to watch the video from the perspective of an audience member, it's even better if it's filmed like a television show or big screen movie.