How to Play "Statue" (Hybrid Children's Game)

When I was in elementary school in Northern Ontario, Canada, a group of friends would get together sometimes and play a game we called "statue". This was a sort of hybrid between another freezing-in-position game called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statues_(game) "statues"], a game called "swing the statues" and charades. Unlike the other games, this one focused on role-playing and did not have a competitive aspect about it (i.e. no one was "out"). It does not appear anyone has documented this version of the game, and it may have been a local invention.

Overview: The game is set up as a store scenario. There is a dealer (or curator) who has a collection of statues (actually, they are more like role-playing machines) and a customer who is interested in buying one of the statues. Each "statue" gets a chance to demonstrate his or her abilities at the cue of the "dealer", and the "buyer" chooses whichever statue he/she likes best, and then the roles are switched around. The game can be played in about 10 minutes, or however long the players want it to last, and the game can be also be a good ice-breaker at adult events. You need at least four players - one two act as the "spinner/seller (or curator)", one to act as the "customer", and the remaining players are the "statues".

Note: It is possible that there is a French-Canadian version of this game under a different title, as it was played in a bilingual area of the province, but I have never heard of the game referred to any other name than "statue". I would be interested to know if anyone else played a similar game.

(Map of Northern Ontario from Wikipedia - created by user Vidioman, public domain.)

Step 1 Players and Location

As a children's game, I would say that an ideal minimum age to play is around 6 years old, as it requires role-playing and taking turns. It was played up to the ages of 11 or 12, but there are really no age limits on the game. For adults, it would be good a good icebreaker at conferences.

Minimum Players: 4

Roles: Spinner/Dealer, Buyer, Statues

Suitable locations: A grassy lot or backyard, Gymnasium, large rec room free of obstacles and fragile items