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COMPLICATION |
Once students
can establish conflicts on stage, they are ready to go on to
complete improvised scenes. Point out to them that what
makes a scene more interesting is complications, extra
things that get in the way of the character getting what
he/she wants. To teach the art of creating complications, I
like to use chain improvisations. In a chain improv, two
actors start the scene. Additional actors, each with their
own strong motivation, enter one at a time, each one further
complicating the scene.
Here is a typical set of instructions for a chain
improvisation:
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You're a part-time musician who would like to be full
time. You've just found this great deal on a guitar and
amplifier--and you're convinced that this equipment
would give you the sound you need to really make it as a
musician. You must convince your wife to let you buy
the amp and guitar--but it's got to be done right now.
The guy who owns the equipment is going to sell it to
someone else if you don't make a decision tonight.
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Your husband has really been running up the bills
lately. To make matters worse, he hasn't been working
steady. Your dad has promised you he'll get your
husband a decent job working at an electronics factory.
Your goal is to convince your husband to stop buying
things on credit and to take the job your dad wants to
give him.
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You're the drummer of a rock band. Actor #1 is your
lead guitar player. Rehearsal was supposed to start an
hour ago. Your job is to get #1 out of the house and to
rehearsal.
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You're the apartment manager. This couple hasn't paid
the rent in two months. You want the rent paid or them
out of the apartment--immediately.
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You're actress number one's best friend. You need her
to baby sit for you right now. Your regular sitter just
called in sick, and you can't find anyone else. You're
supposed to be at work in 20 minutes, and if you're late
again you're going to get fired.
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You're actress number one's father. You have a job in
your electronics factory for her husband, but you have
to get the position filled now. You want to know if
he's going to take the job or not tonight.
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You're a police officer. The neighbors have been
complaining about the noise. Get these people to quiet
down.
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