The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

When improvising a scene, sometimes the internal question of “What’s next?” arises. At times like this, it’s tempting to look for something new—a new idea, a new action, a new scene. The problem with looking for something new is that it puts you outside the story. You’re no longer living as the character, you’re thinking as an author. This disconnects you from the present moment, and worse, disconnects you from the spect.

When you need to find what’s next, pay attention to what is already present. What feelings already exist? What are you already doing? Whatever exists, go deeper into that. The next step of a scene can grow out of exploring more deeply that which is already present.

When you need to find what’s next, instead of trying to find something new, go deeper into the present moment.