The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Let’s be honest, the spect isn’t always right. Sometimes they’re very wrong indeed. They may address you by the wrong name. They may introduce an anachronism. They may play in a style that doesn’t fit the story. There are all kinds of ways that a spect can be “wrong.” The reason to hold the idea that the spect is always right is this: It makes your job easier when they do something unexpected.

Sometimes “wrong” just means that they’ve done something other than what you had in mind. Assuming them to be right helps you get past your own initial resistance. It lets you see how their unanticipated offer might be right too.

But what about when they do something that really doesn’t fit? Assume that’s right, too. This perspective keeps your mind open and flexible, which is exactly the frame of mind you need to justify how their offer fits the needs of the story.

The biggest benefit of this axiom is that it keeps you from fighting with spects. If the spect is disconnected, uninvested, or messing with the story, it’s easy to get frustrated. If you start punishing the spect, they either give up or fight back. Neither response is productive. When spects feel supported, they become less resistant to your offers.

The idea that the spect is “wrong” doesn’t help. Think of the spect is right, even when they’re not.