Hidden Problem

Exercise Advanced 30 min 2–6

Description

In this exercise, teams of two or more advanced players explore themes by establishing a hidden problem that is never made explicit in the scene.
Players will choose a category or emotion (e.g., teaching, fantasy, love, hate) and create a Where, Who, and What for their scene.

Setup Requirements

Space to perform, props for scenes if desired.

Point of Concentration

Keeping the problem hidden.

Side Coaching

  • Encourage players to maintain energy and flow in the scene.
  • Remind them to keep the hidden problem unspoken.
  • Focus on character interactions and subtle hints.

Points of Observation

  • Observe how well players keep the hidden problem concealed.
  • Watch for the use of subtext and body language.
  • Take note of how players communicate indirectly.

Evaluation

  • What strategies did players use to convey the hidden problem?
  • How did keeping the problem hidden affect the scene's dynamics?
  • What insights can players share about their performances?

Examples

  • Teaching: Where - kitchen, Who - mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, What - a visit; hidden problem is to teach.
  • Fantasy: Where - living-dining room, Who - husband and wife, What - wife's birthday; hidden problem is the fantasy of an orange grove.
  • Love: Where - old people's home, Who - man and woman in their eighties, What - gardening; hidden emotion of love.
  • Hate: Where - bedroom, Who - husband and wife, What - preparing for their 50th anniversary celebration.

Tags

improv exercise interaction advanced hidden