Human Machine
1970s-present (Spolin-lineage)
Also known as Machines, Group Machine, Pass the Pulse Machine
One player enters with a repetitive motion and sound; each subsequent player adds a synchronized motion + sound until a collective 'machine' is built.
Known for
- Foundational Spolin ensemble exercise; Viewpoints practitioners use variants.
- Variant: 'Emotion Machine' — additions embody states (rage, joy) rather than mechanical motion.
- Teaches 'establish then retreat' — first additions should be bold, later ones support.
- Also used as warm-down / closer — machine slows and stops together.
Connected to
People
Games
Concepts
ensemble