STOP ACTION

Author Unknown

Number of players: 2 players and one coach

Ask for: One to start the scene

Description: The two players start the scene based on the audience suggestion. At any time during the scene the coach can say, "Freeze!" and ask the audience for a suggestion like, "What does player A have in their hand?" At this point the audience gives a suggestion and

Player A will have to incorporate that suggestion into the scene. The scene ends with a "tag line" and "scene" being called.

Tips and Comments: If you are the coach, let the scene develop. Don't start freezing the players two or three lines into the scene. If this happens, the scene will be about the audience suggestions and not scene structure. You should add to the scene, not steal from it. If you are the players in the scene, give the coach something to work with. In other words reach for things, point to something, etc., because these are more active choices. If the coach has to say "Freeze! What is Player B thinking?" the scene will die quickly. And remember, once you have incorporated something into the scene don't forget that it's there. You must use it.