EXERCISE #3: Multiple Big Effects

OUTDOOR LARGE GROUP

TIP:

It’s probably a good idea to practice Exercise #2 with your group before attempting this one!

How it works:

Who wants to be a Power Source?

This is the source of an “electrical current” that will travel around through every member of your group.

Who wants to be a Big Effect?

Each Big Effect participant demonstrates the effect of an electrical current passing through the circuit. This could be a sound, “a light”, motion, or gesture. The only rule is that it must be an obvious indicator to the rest of the group. This indication tells us that electricity is passing through a closed circuit.

REMEMBER:

Big Effect participants must continue their demonstration until either the circuit is broken (opened) or the Power Source is switched off.

All other group members will create their own (smaller) indication to demonstrate an electrical current passing through. Everyone forms a single line with the Power Source at one end, and a Final Effect at the opposite end. Curl this line into a circle, so that the Power Source and Final Effect are beside each other.

OK! I think we’re ready to switch the power on!

The Power Source and the Final Effect participants will reach toward each other, indicating that the circuit has been closed. Starting with the Power Source and continuing through the next person in line, each participant reaches towards their neighbour. Once this person has been reached then an indication of the current can be demonstrated. Eventually the current reaches the Final Effect, which must continue indicating the presence of the current until either the circuit is broken or the Power Source is switched off.

If any one of the participants stops reaching towards their neighbour then the circuit is broken, or opened. When that happens all Big Effects must stop their demonstration of current.

Practice closing the circuit and switching the power on!

How long can you keep all the Big Effects going?