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Topics

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

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

Put on some music that you like. Clear your mind and doodle on a piece of paper. Let it be easy. Follow your impulses. See where the doodlebug takes you.

Exercises

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.

Topics

When I studied acting in college, I tried to get my performances “just right” by making lots of little choices and adjustments. As a result, I was frequently stuck in my head, unable to feel impulses. Then I became a clown with the circus. Suddenly my choices needed to be larger than life. Playing BIG left no room for me to get stuck in my head. After a season with the circus, I returned to the stage. To my surprise, I discovered that I could let go and feel impulses with ease, even when playing in a realistic fashion.

Exercises

A character is grilled by an interrogator about the character’s perspectives and details from the character’s life. Questions come hard and fast. Answers are given immediately without allowing time to think.

Topics

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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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance