Detective
A short investigation game: one performer shows prop-clues, the second builds a suspect profile and location based on them. Useful when training pattern recognition, thematic connections and assembling a coherent picture in the moment.
Players
2–8
Difficulty
Beginner
Full description
Setup and Launch
Pair two performers and assign roles: "clues" and "detective". The pair quickly agrees only on what crime has occurred; no further details are discussed. Remind them that no props are used — objects are shown through clear object work and mime.
How It Goes
1. First clue — initial hypothesis
The "clues" performer shows the first object from the crime scene. The "detective" makes a bold statement of a theory: who the suspect might be, what they're like, or where to find them. The coach ensures statements are made rather than questions asked, and that the theory is concise.
2. Second and third clues — refinement and build
The second and third "clues" appear in turn. After each one, the "detective" refines and enriches the theory, adding specifics (a trait, behaviour, possible location), not repeating what has already been said. The coach nudges toward connecting the new information with what's already been stated: "How does this change your theory?"
3. Fourth clue — assembling the full theory
After the fourth "clue", the "detective" formulates a final, complete suspect profile and names the location where they can be found, linking all the discovered objects into one coherent logic. The coach gives a clear signal for the finale and if necessary asks for a brief run-through of how each clue supports the final theory.
Key rules
Don't turn the scene into an interrogation: the "detective" makes statements, not asks questions. If questions hang in the air, reformulate them as theories.
Each new clue must change or refine the hypothesis. Stop a performer repeating the same conclusion in different words.
The finale is mandatory: the fourth clue ties everything together. If the performer gets lost, ask them to briefly connect each clue to the final theory.
No props — only object work. If an object "isn't reading", the "detective" names what they saw instead of trying to extract it through questions.
Keep topics in a safe range for the group. If content heads somewhere harsh, restart with a new, neutral crime.
Context
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