Encyclopedia search
Topics
the way in which a spect enjoys playing
When people go through a Halloween haunt, they have different responses. Some scream, cower, cling to their friends, and when it’s over, exclaim, “That was awesome!” Others scream, cower, cling to their friends, but when it’s over, they’re not happy. Not happy at all. Some like being scared and some don’t. Their initial behaviors may be similar, but the subtext is different. If you’re paying attention, you can tell who enjoys being scared and who doesn’t.
Topics
Different spects have different play styles; they enjoy playing in different ways. Some like to be heroes, so set them up to be heroic. Some get a charge out of arguing, so disagree with them. Some get a kick out of being evil, so give them something noble to mess with. Don’t force your values or what you think is a good story on them. Make the story one that they enjoy playing, and spects will engage with everything they’ve got.
Topics
There are many ways to practice interactive performance technique. Here are the four standard modes.
Exercises
Do something that you loved to do when you were a child. (E.g., riding a bike, coloring with crayons, playing with dolls.) Do it in the way you did it when you were a child.
Topics
Have you ever seen wolf pups play? They’re ferocious. They growl, snarl, pounce, and bite, but they don’t pierce the skin or draw blood. This is because they’re engaged in play. Play can be ferocious while also being safe and fun.
Topics
intuitive play without concern for technique
Topics
An expert is anyone who has specialized knowledge. As an inter-actor, you play people from many professions and walks of life. It might be a senator, a scientist, or a psychic. The more you know, the more you have to play with, but you can’t know it all. Here are some ways to play experts with limited knowledge.
Topics
A two-person scene is easy to manage. You and the spect have only the other person to consider. Add another player and things get a little more challenging. Add several more players and things become even trickier.
Topics
Let’s start by defining “difficult” spects. They’re not spects who are hesitant, unsure, or tentative. These are normal behaviors when spects first begin to play. Basic interactive techniques help these spects become connected, activated, and invested. Difficult spects are those who challenge the standard tools.
Topics
information for the audience about how to become a participant
An invitation to play tells the audience at an interactive performance how participation works. For those who want to play, it clarifies how to volunteer. For those who don’t want to play, it lets them know they won’t be singled out to participate. And for those on the fence, it makes the prospect of volunteering less terrifying by letting them know that they can change their mind.
© 2024 Interactive PlayLab
Subscribe for encyclopedia updates
