The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

A scenario consists of a progression of beats. Each beat is defined by a step of action within the scene. A beat breakdown lays out the progression of action, helping the inter-actor map the journey of the scene. It also serves as a series of steps that assist with memorization of the scenario.

How to create a beat breakdown

To create a beat breakdown, look for the steps of action within the scene. In some scenarios, the beats may be well-defined within the script. In others, you may need to discover the beats through an improvised rehearsal process. Pay attention to the focus of the action between the characters. Each beat has its own focus. When there’s a new focus, there’s a new beat. As you identify each beat, describe it in simple and concise language. Think of it as a title of what’s going on.

Here’s an example of a scenario and a beat breakdown.

Late night security

Characters: Security guard (spect), Homeless person

Scenario: It’s 2:30 a.m. A security guard sits in the lobby of a corporate office building, working the graveyard shift. Outside the glass doors, a homeless person appears, asking to come in out of the cold. It eventually becomes clear that what the homeless person really wants is a friend with whom to pass the time.

Beat breakdown:

• Listening to a game on the radio
• Discovery of the homeless person
• Talking through the glass
• Entry and awkwardness
• Request for coffee
• Finding common ground
• Assumed friendship
• Crossing the line
• Back into the cold

The example above is just one way in which the scenario might be broken down. The beats identified depend on the player doing the analysis. The key is to find the beats that make sense to you, based on your interpretation and creative perspective.

A beat breakdown isn’t a prerequisite to every performance. If you can improvise narrative structure and are comfortable exploring without signposts, a beat breakdown may be unnecessary. You only need a breakdown when a narrative roadmap helps you along the journey of the scene.

When using a beat breakdown, be careful that it doesn’t cause you to put the story on the rails. Continue to go where spects lead. The structure supports the journey while you continue to focus on playing the spect’s story.