Game of the scene
Game of the scene is a concept in the longform format of improvisational theater.
Definitions[edit]
There are various ways to define the Game of the scene, as different clubs will have their own interpretations of it.[1] Some common definitions are:
- The first unusual thing to happen in the scene and how it will go on to define the scene.[1][2]
- A pattern that arises from the relationship between the characters.[1]
Application[edit]
Working the concept into a player's scene work is known as “playing the game”.[3] When the Game is discovered the players have two ways to apply it into the scene.
Exploring[edit]
Players can explore the Game by delving into the psychology of their characters and try to understand why they do the things that they do.[3]
Heightening[edit]
The Game can be escalated by raising the stakes. A character's actions can be taken to the extreme or they can be placed in more absurd situations to see how the Game plays out.[3]
Moving beyond the game[edit]
It is noted that focusing too much on trying to find the Game can cause players to miss the game entirely.[4][5] Some players say that one should not pay too much attention while performing, and that they should only try to have fun.[6] The Game will naturally arise so long as the player focuses on the immediate relationship.[5][6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Improv's Babel: Defining the Game of the Scene". Splitsider. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
- ^ Besser, Matt (2013). The Upright Citizens Brigade comedy improvisation manual. Roberts, Ian,Walsh, Matt,Wengert, Joe, Kantrowitz, David, Upright Citizens Brigade (Comedy troupe) (First ed.). New York, NY: Comedy Council of Nicea LLC. pp. 61–68. ISBN 978-0989387804. OCLC 859530405.
- ^ a b c Besser, Matt (2013). The Upright Citizens Brigade comedy improvisation manual. Roberts, Ian, Walsh, Matt, Wengert, Joe, Kantrowitz, David, Upright Citizens Brigade (Comedy troupe) (First ed.). New York, NY: Comedy Council of Nicea LLC. pp. 112–154. ISBN 978-0989387804. OCLC 859530405.
- ^ Halpern, Charna (1994). Truth in comedy : the manual of improvisation. Close, Del, Johnson, Kim (1st ed.). Colorado Springs, Colo.: Meriwether Pub. pp. 36. ISBN 1566080037. OCLC 29478701.
- ^ a b Besser, Matt (2013). The Upright Citizens Brigade comedy improvisation manual. Roberts, Ian, Walsh, Matt, Wengert, Joe, Kantrowitz, David, Upright Citizens Brigade (Comedy troupe) (First ed.). New York, NY: Comedy Council of Nicea LLC. p. 81. ISBN 978-0989387804. OCLC 859530405.
- ^ a b "How I Lost Interest In Game Of The Scene And Found Something Way More Fun". People and Chairs. 2012-11-21. Retrieved 2018-03-09.