The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Live as your character in one of the following ways.

Art and music – As your character, create a drawing, collage, sculpture, painting, or any other kind of art. While you create, listen to your character’s favorite music.

Blind date – Have a friend set you up with someone who doesn’t know you in real life. As your character, go on a date with that person. In advance, make sure that your “date” understands that you’ll be playing a character.

Correspondence – Write to people who are important in your character’s life. The correspondence can take the form of letters, postcards, or emails. It’s even better when other characters write you back.

Culture outing – Dress as your character and go do something cultural. Visit a museum or art gallery. Take in a concert. Discover what your character likes and dislikes.

Dating profile – Fill out a dating profile questionnaire and shoot a two-minute profile video as your character.

Dining out – Have a meal in character at a restaurant. Eat foods that your character likes. This can be done alone or with other characters.

Lecture – Give a lecture on something that your character cares deeply about. Finish by answering questions from the audience.

Night on the town – Go do something that your character enjoys doing for fun.

Playing dress-up – Put together an outfit that your character wears. Go to a setting that’s appropriate to your character and take a selfie wearing the outfit.

Shopping spree – Go shopping for clothes or a gift. You don’t need to buy anything, but look for things your character likes. This can be done online, but it’s more fun in real life.

Therapy session – Have someone assume the role of your character’s therapist. Explore your character’s history, desires, and issues.

Vlogging – Dressed as your character, and in an appropriate location, shoot a vlog about something that matters to your character.

Notes

• Don’t “act.” It shouldn’t look like you are playing a character.
• In public settings, stay under the radar. Don’t make a scene.
• When engaging with people who don’t know that you’re playing a character, don’t draw them into your fiction.
• Set a clear time to start and end so your character doesn’t bleed into your life.
• After living in character, take time to reflect on the experience and record your discoveries.