The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

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Exercises

Speak a one-minute monologue in an overly-dramatic fashion. (If you don’t have a monologue memorized, speak song lyrics that you know by heart.) Try to be interesting and clever. Then repeat the the words in a completely relaxed fashion, without acting at all.

Topics

When you have an idea that seems too obvious, use it. Trying to find something clever or interesting impedes the flow.

Topics

Let things impact you. Be emotionally affected by what others say and do. Respond immediately. There’s no need to stop and think. Release an emotional impulse. Your responses may be large or subtle, but they should always be present. Other players feel a sense of agency when their offers have an obvious impact on you.

Topics

When you stop acting, you become vulnerable. It can feel embarrassing to drop your defenses and be seen in a completely vulnerable state. The thing is, others love to see you when you let down your guard. That’s why it’s so compelling to watch children play. When they let loose and dance like fairies or roar like dragons, it’s compelling to behold.

Topics

Spontaneity is the current of flow. Things happen smoothly and effortlessly. When spontaneity gets blocked, it feels like you’ve got nothing. This is usually because of two obstacles: thinking and judgment. Here are ways to deal with each of these blockages.

Exercises

One player has eyes closed, the other has eyes open. The blind player takes the arm of the sighted player. Without speaking, the pair walk around the space. The blind player sets the pace and the sighted player guides the route. As comfort is built, the blind player may speed up the rate of travel.

Exercises

Move to a beautiful piece of music in a blissed-out fashion. Don’t use dance moves, act out a story, or "perform" in any other way. Engage in a deep state of movement bliss.

Exercises

Play a scene that is as boring as possible.

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance