Will, what about the 2nd order unusual thing? Say you have a weird world where everyone likes to bring their pets to work, and now the new unusual thing pops up that this guy is denying that he never washes his pet pig even tho it's clearly covered in mud. Is that a new level of unusual or just having fun in the weird world? Does it require extra attention? What if now everyone is denying something obvious about their pet that is bothering other people? Is that a second order weird world or still just having fun in your weird world?
If the "second order unusual thing" is inspired by the previous move, and if it fits in the reality, then it's just part of the weird world. If it's forced in there and not really attached to too much else that's going on, then it's a distraction.
If it comes from "yes and" and "committed to the reality" then it's good. Else, bad.
"They are familiar with this world." This is one of the most succinct ways I've seen how to explain how to make an improv scene feel less like capital I *improv* - so many people (myself included) undercut their agreement by choosing surprise at the unusual thing (which can work) too often.
I love the idea of Weird World; I always try to think that to pirates, their world is normal, but it's weird to us, so it's OK as long as their emotions are grounded and relatable.
Please enjoy my draft comments after the end of the essay that I forgot to delete! :)
That’s very helpful. Thanks.
A maxim I once heard about crazytown is that if that's where you're going you should try to take the local there instead of the express
Will, what about the 2nd order unusual thing? Say you have a weird world where everyone likes to bring their pets to work, and now the new unusual thing pops up that this guy is denying that he never washes his pet pig even tho it's clearly covered in mud. Is that a new level of unusual or just having fun in the weird world? Does it require extra attention? What if now everyone is denying something obvious about their pet that is bothering other people? Is that a second order weird world or still just having fun in your weird world?
If the "second order unusual thing" is inspired by the previous move, and if it fits in the reality, then it's just part of the weird world. If it's forced in there and not really attached to too much else that's going on, then it's a distraction.
If it comes from "yes and" and "committed to the reality" then it's good. Else, bad.
I would like to submit Cardinal Redbird as a team that regularly does delightful Weird World scenes.
YES! Normalize scenes with delightful weirdos!
"They are familiar with this world." This is one of the most succinct ways I've seen how to explain how to make an improv scene feel less like capital I *improv* - so many people (myself included) undercut their agreement by choosing surprise at the unusual thing (which can work) too often.
I love the idea of Weird World; I always try to think that to pirates, their world is normal, but it's weird to us, so it's OK as long as their emotions are grounded and relatable.