A minute problem

Aim of practice: improvise a monologue under time pressure
Number of participants: 1+audience
Time allocation: 2 min (for one)

In the first phase of the exercise, all participants write their problems on little note pads (example: My nose is too long, the planet is drying up, my flatmate snores). All of the note pads are then collected in a container. In the second phase, the player picks out a random problem, stands in front of the group and reads it aloud. Then there’s a moment to think after which the monologue begins: ‘I’ve got a problem but I’ve got a solution.’ Then a minute starts ticking during which they have to explain how to solve this problem. The monologue is accompanied by on-stage action, the words don’t necessarily need to be the prioritized means of communication. The player either manages to finish the monologue before the time is up, or has to effectively respond to the alarm that goes off after the minute is up - has to integrate it into the action and end the monologue.

source: Petra Tejnorová