The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

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Release the tension

If it looks like you’re “acting,” it feels fake to spects. They either back off or start “acting” themselves. Neither response is desirable. You can instantly stop “acting” by letting go of the tension in your face, body, and voice. Keep your intention and relax your body. As a side benefit, the relaxation helps you be more fully present in the moment.

Exercises

Attack series

The attack series is five different “attacks” that help players develop commitment and move outside of their comfort zones. The exercise only lasts five minutes, but requires full mental and physical commitment.

release commitment boundaries acting

Exercises

Boris

An interrogator ask questions which a suspect answers. Whenever the interrogator isn’t satisfied with an answer, they call on Boris, an imaginary, giant thug. Boris punishes the suspect until they give a satisfactory answer, then the interrogation continues.

trouble release progression justification

Topics

Control issues

Interacting is a paradox. You need to assume control and you need to release it.

release following flow core control

Exercises

Cradled lullaby

Sitting comfortably on the floor, Player A holds Player B as one would hold a small child in their arms. Find the common breath and release into each other’s bodies. Player A gently rocks and strokes Player B, while singing an improvised gibberish lullaby. Finish in silence. Trade roles.

warm-ups vulnerability release intimacy gibberish flow ensemble connection

Topics

Dealing with the inner critic

The inner critic is a voice that sits in the back of your head and inhibits your impulses. In real life, this can be a good thing because it keeps you within the good graces of polite society. But when you play, the inner critic’s feedback isn’t nearly as helpful. It blocks your brain, locks your body, and offers up advice like, “That’s a stupid idea.”

spontaneity release fearlessness core

Exercises

Firing line

Player A faces a line of players. The first player in the line fires a word at Player A, who immediately responds back with any word. Then the next player in line fires a word. Again, Player A responds with any word. This process continues down the line, with Player A responding as quickly as possible. After reaching the end of the line, Player A takes the first position in line and the last player in line (Player B) steps out to face the firing line. Player A fires the first word and Player B responds. The process continues down the line. The pattern repeats until each player has faced the firing line.