Who's Knocking?

Exercise Beginner 15 min 2–10

Description

In this exercise, students practice establishing character and setting through the act of knocking. The player will ask the audience about the character's circumstances, making it easier for them to engage.

After an initial knock, students will clarify their character's situation (where they are, who they are trying to reach, and what is happening) and then perform the knock again.

Setup Requirements

A stage area with space for an actor to mimic knocking and setting up a scenario.

Point of Concentration

Creating a clear character and situation through knocking.

Side Coaching

Encourage the player to be specific about the character's intention.
Prompt the audience to ask questions that inspire creativity.
Remind players to stay in character while performing.

Points of Observation

Observe how the clarity of the character's situation impacts audience engagement.
Watch for how the player adjusts their performance based on feedback.
Note the responses from the audience and their level of involvement.

Evaluation

Who knocked?
Where were they?
What was the reason for the knock?
Was the knock believable?
How did the characterization change after the evaluation?

Examples

A young boy knocking on his front door calls, "Mom, are you there?"
A player in a locked closet knocks and calls for her mother, pretending to be trapped.