Game of the scene

Game of the scene is a concept in the longform format of improvisational theater.

Definitions

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

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

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

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

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

• Upright Citizens Brigade
• The Second City
• Del Close
• Harold
• Yes, and...

References

1. "Improv's Babel: Defining the Game of the Scene". Splitsider. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. "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.