Back

Icebreaker

Hep Hep Hooray

Also called Hep Hep Hurray

Host shouts “hep hep” and players raise their hands, or “hooray” and they clap — but only if the host's own hands match.

people
10–150
time
10 min
energy
High
materials
No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
How to play3

Before you start

Everyone stands or stays seated where they are. No space needed. Host needs to be visible to the whole room.

  1. 1“Hep hep” = players raise both hands. “Hooray” = players clap.
  2. 2Players follow only if the host's own hands do the matching action.
  3. 3Wrong move, or moving when the host does not — you are out.
What to say3
  1. 1“Hep hep! — hands up. Hooray! — clap. That's all there is to it.”
  2. 2“But watch my hands, not my mouth. Don't just do what I say.”
  3. 3“Hep hep! … Oh! Lots of people out already!”
Host tips3
  • This is the best opener you have — needs no space, no materials, and works with any headcount.
  • Use an honour system but assign 2–3 spotters in the crowd. People cheat cheerfully and the spotters make it funnier, not stricter.
  • Keep it under five minutes. It is a warm-up, not a main event.
Variants2

  • Speed round

    Call faster and faster with no pauses. Eliminates half the room in a minute.

  • Last three standing

    Bring the final three to the front and let the room judge.

Good for

Occasions

ChristmasTeam buildingSchoolRetreatFiesta

Venues

Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hallOnline
If this one dies early9