The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

In medical dramas, there’s a classic scene in which a surgeon is about to operate. He holds out his hand, says “Scalpel,” and a nurse gives him a scalpel. This same approach can be used to get spects physically activated. It’s called, appropriately enough, the scalpel.

You perform a scalpel by naming an object, holding out your hand, and letting the spect give it to you.

There’s an important nuance when doing a scalpel. You don’t ask for the object; you name it. If you ask, it feels like instruction. Naming the object leaves the choice to give it to you up to the spect.

Hank is underneath his car doing some maintenance. He holds out his hand and says, “I need a three-sixteenths wrench.”

In real-world settings where the desired object is in clear view, it’s fairly easy for spects to take action. In imagined-world settings where objects are mimed with space work, it’s more challenging. Spects may not be sure where the object is supposed to be. If the spect appears hesitant, physically identify the object’s location and give a verbal clarification.

The spect looks about uncertainly. Hank points and says, “It’s on the workbench beside the vice.” The spect moves in the direction indicated and tentatively picks up the imaginary wrench.

Even though the workbench and vice are equally invisible, the verbal details and physical indicator make it easier for the spect to retrieve the imaginary wrench.

There’s another trick that makes the imaginary world feel more real. When the spect hands you the object, be looking elsewhere. Use your peripheral vision to see when they give you the object and grasp it at the appropriate moment.

Hank keeps his attention on the undercarriage of the car. The moment that the invisible wrench is placed in Hank’s hand, his fingers close around it. He brings it under the car and starts to loosen a bolt.

After doing a scalpel, there’s a step that encourages spects to take more physical initiative. Reward them with a stroke—a smile, a nod, a word like “Thanks” or “Good.” The positive response rewards the spect and inclines them to initiate action in the future.

The scalpel is an effective tool, but it has one serious drawback. It only activates spects while they’re delivering the object. After that, you’re the one engaged in the work. If there’s something to be done, let the spect do it. Try using the scalpel’s cousin, the reverse scalpel.