Organic Scenes: Part 2 (Adding Context)
In my last post, I talked about using Situation Initiations in an organic scene. The basic idea is to initiate with a situation, rather than starting a scene with the word itself ("Boy, I love golf!").
This brings us to Step 2: Adding Context. A good second line should provide context to the initiation, and sometimes, recontextualize the scene altogether.
Context can be many different things. You could suggest the time, setting, or relationship of the characters, if it hasn't been established. You could also raise the stakes, add a deadline, give a warning, or state a philosophy. No matter if the initiation is situational or relentlessly vague, adding context in the second line of an organic scene is transformative.
Let's say the suggestion is "steak" because most improv suggestions are food.
Initiation: "Mmm, this steak sure is delicious."
A simple, vague initiation. You now face a fork in the road. You can "Yes, And" and agree that dinner is top-notch, where's the salt. Or you can add context.
Second line (adding context): "It's too bad this is your last meal. DEAD MAN WALKING."
By making the delicious steak your scene partner's last meal, you've suddenly recontextualized the scene. You've also suggested a location (jail) and a relationship between the improvisers (cellmates). How much funnier is that vague initiation now?
A few more examples:
Initiation: "Did you remember to water my plants?" Second line (no context): "Shit! I totally forgot! Don't be mad." Second line (adding context): "Yes. And I finished your homework, and did all your chores. Please don't tell Mom about the vase."
Initiation: "Beautiful weather we're having!" Second line (no context): "I know! Don't you just love the outdoors?" Second line (adding context): "I searched the whole island. There's no food. For the love of God, help me build a life raft!"
Initiation: "You don't look like your OkCupid picture." Second line (no context): "Are you sure? Maybe because I'm not smiling." Second line (adding context): [Improviser gets on knees and hobbles around] "That's strange! I used my headshot."*
*When in doubt, you guys, don't forget your midget space work.
Adding context is closely related to "Yes, And" but like Situational Initiations, it's directed towards getting to the game of the scene faster. Speaking of Situational Initiations, let's revisit some of the scenes from Part 1 and see how context affects them.
Initiation: "This is your first time volunteering for the Red Cross? Perfect! We're going to throw you in the deep end." Second line: "Yes, let's save some lives! BWA-HA-HA-HA! [*Dracula laugh]."
Initiation: "Honey, don't be mad but I was so excited to find out what you got me for our anniversary. I saw you'd been Googling pearl necklaces." Second line: "Oh. You're about to be super disappointed."
Initiation: "Sir, I'm afraid I can no longer serve you any more pina coladas. The casino is concerned." Second line: "NO ONE TALKS TO CELINE DION THAT WAY!"
One last note about adding context: be careful not to negate or deny your scene partner's initiation. A good second line should provide context while still supporting their initiation. There's a line between recontextualizing a scene and flat-out denying your scene partner's initiation. Listen carefully, and make a choice that supports the scene and moves it forward.