Once a players has entered a scene, it’s hard to leave again. Improv scenes often accumulate more and more characters. That’s the “sticky stage” phenomenon, and it makes it harder to tell a story.
Let’s say Jean works in a factory with coworker Sandra. Sandra is Jean’s friend, but Sandra regularly steals from their employer. Boss Larry is romantically interested in Jean and tries to ask her out.
There are various interesting situations that can occur if two of these characters are put together.
- Larry and Sandra: Sandra is worried that Larry is going to accuse her of stealing, but he just wants to find out if Jean is interested in him.
- Sandra and Jean: Jean worries that Sandra’s stealing will get them both in trouble. Sandra encourages Jean to go out with Larry. That will keep them both safe.
- Jean and Larry: Larry tries to ask Jean out. Jean thinks that would be inappropriate. Larry claims it’s strictly a work event.
There’s plenty of room for intrigue in this situation, but it only works if characters have the chance for private meetings. If all three characters are always on stage together, hearing each other’s words, you can’t have those conversations. This is true in most drama, even big-budget films – the important conversations are between two people. If there are more than two people present, it’s important for someone to leave.
There are a few games that can give practice in avoiding these problems.
Entrances and Exits is a game where characters come and go when a key word is spoken.
Two’s Company is a simple game where players enter or exit so most of the dialogue is between two people.