icebreaker
n.n. a short play or activity that helps people in a group get to know each other and feel more comfortable. It is often used at the start of a meeting or a social event.
n. a short theatrical performance or social activity designed to reduce tension and encourage interaction among participants. Often used as a prelude to a larger event to establish a sense of community.
The host performed a short icebreaker before the meeting started.
The workshop began with a fun icebreaker where everyone shared a childhood memory to help them relax.
While the primary goal of the conference was professional networking, the organizers included a series of creative icebreakers to ensure that attendees felt at ease before the formal sessions began.
From ice + breaker, in the figurative sense from the expression to break the ice.