Quick Description
In the Good Acting: Bad Acting improv game the players improvise a scene and switch from good acting to bad with the ringing of a bell.
How to Play
The players begin an improvised scene. When the bell rings the style of acting shifts to bad acting. When the bell rings again the acting shifts the other way: good acting.
Origins
I just came up with this idea after a show one night.
Notes
This game plays with the idea that it’s less stressful to do something badly than good.
For example in a class if I ask the players to do some great improv, I can see and feel the tension and they hesitate to come forward. If, on the other hand, I ask them to do some terrible improv, I can see them joyfully jump in and play.
Variations
There are many variations that use the bell as a trigger to change behavior and relationships.
I suppose that you could make a double bell for the acting to get increase the intensity in the direction it is going.
For Example:
Player 1: (begins with good acting) Hello Sir Charles, I thought I would find you here in the wine cellar.
(Bell rings indicating the acting style shifts to bad)
Player 1: (acting very badly) You are, no doubt looking for my hidden room of stolen treasure.
(Bell rings twice indicating the acting style shifts to even worse acting.)
Player 1: This is the last straw, I shall kill you!
And of course, you could double ding when the acting is good so that the acting gets better.
Disclaimer: I don’t know if this will work or be useful for improv actors. It does seem fun. If you test it, please let me know. Thank you.
Applied Improv
When teaching communication or leadership have the participants switch back and forth between ‘good presentation/communication skills’ to ‘bad presentation/communication skills.’
It is less stressful to do a task “badly” than well. And it reveals the same learning points.
Here is a link for more information about the Applied Improvisation Network.
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