The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

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to give trust before it’s been earned

Interactive play requires trust between the players. When you trust spects, they’re more likely to trust you. The challenge is, trust needs to be present from the moment you begin to play, so there’s no time for it to be earned. This is why inter-actors need the ability to entrust spects before the trust has been earned.

Exercises

Players consider what would be scary to do in front of a group. One at a time, each player gets up and does their scary thing. The group gives a standing ovation after each presentation.

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If uncertainty or fear inhibit you, start playing. Don’t try to figure things out. Uncertainty is overcome by doing, not thinking. Step up, take action, and follow impulses before you know where they will lead. Treat fear and uncertainty like a green light and go before you know.

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When spects begin to play, they need you to appear confident so they can become confident themselves. A major factor is the way you speak. Even if you’re playing low physical status, while spects are building their confidence, speak with assurance. Confident speech is also important when playing experts.

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If thinking is like walking, one might assume that thinking fast is like running. It’s not. Walking fast and running are two entirely different skills. It’s the same with thinking. Thinking fast isn’t really thinking at all. It’s responding. Thinking is slow and methodical. Responding is quick and intuitive. To think fast, you don’t think, you respond.

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when an idea shows up without thinking

Inspiration produces ideas without mental effort. The other side of the coin is invention. Both are useful tools when improvising.

Exercises

Stand in a relaxed and neutral stance for two minutes. Don’t do anything. Just stand there. Be fully present. Breathe. See. Feel. Just be.

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance