The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

Player A makes a verbal offer. (“The kids are missing.”) Player B describes a physical offer. (“He said, picking up a flashlight.”) Player A does the physical action described by Player B. The scene continues, with Player B making a verbal offer and Player A describing an action that Player B does. Keep switching who is making the verbal offer and who describes the physical action to be done.

Variations

Gibberish – Dialogue is in gibberish, directions are in English.

Shadows – Two on-stage players speak the dialogue, two off-stage players give stage directions.

Monologue – One player improvises a monologue. Speak a sentence, speak a stage direction, then do it. Repeat the process.

Notes

• This exercise is good for developing actional offers.
• The stage directions are for your partner, not yourself.
• Don’t do anything until you’ve been given stage directions.
• Include directions that cause your partner connect with you.