Entrances and Exits
Four to five players for an open scene where players are forced to enter and exit the scene.
Entrances and Exits is most commonly used as a handle tto complicate open scenes in a show. Here we are discussing the exercise Entrances and Exits . Entrances and Exits is good practice for listening and justification. The leader assigns a single word to each player who could be in the scene. The leader should get a variety of word types like nouns, verbs, adjectives. The scene starts with one player on stage and no player may enter until they hear their word. If the first player does not speak another player’s word they will be on stage alone.
Entrances and Exits plays with the narrative of an open scene. Narrative should not be abandoned to force players to run off and on stage. No doubt this would be fun and funny however a stronger scene will arise when a narrative tool is adhered to. The players do not just walk off or on stage without explanation. If a player has to leave the scene they must have an explanation. When a player enters the scene they must fit themselves into the narrative.
There are several teaching opportunities that can arise from this exercise. The first and most obvious is listening. If a player is not paying keen attention to the entire scene they will miss their cues for entering and exiting. Focus for the whole stage is also prominent in this exercise. It is not good enough to just memorize and listen for one’s own word. Every player must be listening for every key word as the player that is entering or exiting may need help to justify the movement. So if a Player One hears Player Three’s word Player One may help Player Three by giving them an excuse to leave or enter the scene. Justifications are all about paying attention to the narrative of the scene. In an exercise player’s should be challenged to not make up reasons to leave. For example, my cell phone is ringing or I forgot the cake in the oven. The reason to enter or exit should be tied into the narrative of the scene.
- The leader gives a player a conjunction or other common word.
- Information appreciated.