Drama Game: Human Bingo

Human Bingo

Find out as much as you can about other people using a bingo card.

• Age: 10 to adult
• Players: Whole group
• Time: 10 to 15 minutes
• Skills: Ice-breaker
• Materials: Bingo sheets

Each person is given a sheet of paper set out in a grid like a bingo card. However, instead of numbers, each box contains a phrase relating to hobbies, interests or other personal information. A time-limit is given and everyone asks each other questions. When they find someone who fits one of the categories, they ask that person to write their name in the box.

The winner is the first person to get a signature in every box or to gather the most names within the time-limit. You can make it a rule that each person can only sign one or two boxes on someone else's card. You will need to prepare the cards in advance and choose around 12 to 20 categories to suit the characteristics of the group members. Examples are given below.

Children:

• Has a pet
• Has two sisters
• Likes chocolate
• Has blue eyes
• Plays a musical instrument
• Has ever won a prize
• Is the youngest child in their family

Young people and adults:

• Has lived in more than one country
• Has a driving license
• Has been to the theatre in the past week
• Was born in the same month as you
• Has broken an arm or leg
• Is a vegetarian
• Practises yoga
• Believes in ghosts

David Farmer runs www.dramaresource.com – a site that offers a wide range of ideas, games and courses for drama practitioners. He is the author of several books including 101 Drama Games and Activities, from which this game is taken.