Improv is the art of acting without a script. Improvisation has become a very popular form of entertainment in comedy clubs and theaters. Games are also often played in classroom settings to aid with various lessons. The game "Stand, Sit, Bend" is best played by experienced actors because the actors must adhere to the sometimes difficult physical limitations of the game. Follow the rules below, and get ready to hit the stage!
Instructions
1. Explain to the audience that the game is played with three actors, and that at all times throughout the scene, one actor must be standing, one sitting and one bending over.
2. Bring three of your most talented actors and a stool or chair to the center of your performance space. Ask the audience to suggest a scene location. Choose everyday spots such as a used car lot, a diner, or any place that might be conducive to bending or sitting. At a car lot, for example, an actor can be bending to see the engine or tires.
3. Begin the scene. As an actor in the scene, find justifications for your movement that fits within the context of the scene. Try to force your fellow actors to move as well. The humor comes from watching you attempt to find justification for bending, sitting and standing, so you must not stay in one place.
4. Find an organic resolution to the scene. The more experienced you become at improv games, the easier sensing a great ending line will be. Try to end the game after your biggest laugh. You may use the emcee to end the game as well, especially if your actors are inexperienced.
5. Get your actor friends together and hit the stage. Play big! This game is all about physicality, so playing it small will never work. When you bend over, do so dramatically. Pop up when you stand and plop down when you sit. The theater, especially improv comedy, is all about over-done movements.
Tags: bending sitting, scene actor, Stand Bend