The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

There are times when you need to incorporate a story element with the moment at hand. It could be anything—an offer from the spect, a critical plot point, an important line of dialogue. Whatever the case, when you connect a story element with whatever is going on, that’s merging.

According to the scenario, Gino (spect) is supposed to take his wife out for an anniversary dinner. Before this can be established, Gino announces that he’s going out bowling. His wife grins like a schoolgirl. “You old romantic. Dinner at the bowling alley, just like when we met?! And here I thought you’d forgotten our anniversary!”

It’s a fun challenge to merge story elements into a fluid narrative. Be careful, though. Done with a heavy hand, it can feel like forcing the story onto a set of rails. Merge elements with a light touch and only when it’s absolutely critical.