Quick Description
To play Double Life, the players improvise a very (!) short scene. Then repeat it doubling the length of the scene. Repeat.
How to Play
The players start with a very short improvised scene. This scene can be extremely short, perhaps only 3 and 3/4 seconds long.
The players then repeat the scene taking twice as long, for example, 7 1/2 seconds.
They then repeat the scene doubling the amount of time to 15 seconds. And so on until they get to a one minute scene.
In each successive doubling of time, the players reveal more about the scene and the relationships.
Note
It may be helpful to have a host/MC or an audience member time the scene. The time pressure is part of the tension that gives this game energy.
Double Life is an opportunity to watch how players are changed by each other. Consider starting with a big change….or as the scene gets longer show the changes and reveal more of the story or relationship.
This is a variation of “Half-Life,” already in The Playbook. Half life is the opposite. Start with a longer scene and repeat it cutting the time in half. Repeat. The scenes often get frantic and highlight the key dynamics of the relationships.
Origin
This game came to me from the talented Stephen Kearin of Impro Theater in Los Angeles.