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When the focus of a scene is on something that’s happening elsewhere, that’s offstage action. In most cases, it’s best to focus on what’s going on between you and the spect. Don’t put the primary focus on offstage characters, activities, or locations. Keep the spect at the center of the action by focusing on what’s going on between you.
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A magician climbs the steps to a platform, high above the stage. He is covered with a cloth. There’s no place he can hide. The platform is raised up into the air. At this point, if you try to figure out how the magician is going to disappear, you’re too late. It doesn’t matter how closely you watch. The trick has already been done.
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The more you talk, the less spects contribute. Allow room for others to speak. Say one sentence, maybe two, then be quiet. See what the spect has to say, and respond to that. This tool gets spects verbally activated and produces good give and take. It also keeps you from talking too much.
Exercises
Player B makes an offer. Player A responds with a single sentence, then waits for Player B to respond to that. This pattern continues through the whole scene.
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Some questions invite spects to generate information, some limit their contributions, and some invisibly direct how they answer. Each kind of question can be useful, depending on what you are trying to achieve.
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a question that invites an expansive answer
”What are your thoughts about the current political climate?”
Exercises
Place your closed fist in your lap with the back of the fist facing down. Focus on your fist and uncurl it as slowly as possible until it is fully open Repeat with the other hand.
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