Forward/Reverse
Description
Two players start a scene. At any point, the host may clap his/her hands and say “Reverse,” after which the players must repeat the lines they said in reverse order (the words in each line remain in the same order). At any point, the host may then say “Forward,” after which the players resume saying their lines from whatever point they are at in their original order. You can also play with “Slow Motion”, “Freeze” and “Fast Forward”.
Example
Host: Forward
Actor A: We’ve got five minutes to diffuse this bomb!
Actor B: Oh my god! Five minutes! That’s no time at all!
Actor A: We better get started, pass me the wire cutters.
Host: Reverse
Actor A: We better get started, pass me the wire cutters.
Actor B: Oh my god! Five minutes! That’s no time at all!
Actor A: We’ve got five minutes to diffuse this bomb!
Actor B (walking in relaxed, drinking coffee): Morning Frank, lovely day, say Frank what are we up to today?
Actor A: Where the fuck is Bob?
Host: Fast Forward.
Additional Tips for Playing
- Try reversing past the point the scene started.
- Put movement into the scene.
- Have a story that actually goes somewhere, so there is something to rewind and fast forward to.
Learning Points
- Playing a fun scene.
- Paying attention on stage and remembering lines.
- Getting to the point (the opposite of bridging).
- Storytelling.
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