Summary
Agony Aunt is a short game built on listening and "Yes, And." Together, the players become a single advice columnist. One word at a time, they answer a real problem from someone in the audience — building one shared, surprisingly heartfelt (and often hilarious) piece of advice.
How to Play
- Ask the audience for a name for your Agony Aunt.
- Ask someone in the audience to share a problem (and their name).
- As one character, answer the problem one word at a time, going in sequence.
- Match each other's voice and physicality, and say "I," not "we."
- Build toward one piece of advice that actually hangs together.
- Wrap up the answer, often by signing off with the Agony Aunt's name.
Required Materials
- A problem and a name, both from the audience.
Purpose
This game grows your listening and your instinct to accept and build on offers. You'll also practice storytelling, being obvious, and backing up your teammates as one voice.
Variations
- Similar word-at-a-time games include Complaint Letter and Word at a Time Story.
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