Shows 2 & 3: Protagonist = The One Who Moves First

I ended up playing in two shows last weekend instead of my originally scheduled one. I filled the spot vacated by Derek on Friday night.

The first show was somewhat frustrating for me. I had psyched myself up mentally to play the protagonist that night, and went out in the first scene playing an upbeat, positive, normal character. Somehow Dave still ended up the protagonist, even though his character was not very real. How did this happen? I have my theories. Dave simply spoke more in the scene. It was a large group scene and a bit hard to navigate, but Dave had the most to say, even if his character was a bit overly excitable in a way more suited to a side character.

Ultimately, however, I think the thing that made him the protagonist was that when the lights came up he made a large physical offer. I noticed this phenomenon during the Great Puppet Musical, and I find it interesting. The person whose character makes a big physical motion at the top of the first scene tends to be the protagonist. It makes sense, really. Whatever physical gesture or offer they’re making draws focus to them, not only from the audience but fellow improvisors. It’s assumed that this gesture (and the character who made it) is important and we all want to know why.

(Dave didn’t hold on to the protagonist role, by the way. His character wasn’t real enough to bare it out. The mantle shifted to Trish as she was more normal and her reactions real and strong.)

Saturday night, I again went onstage in the first scene with the intent of being the protagonist. This time, I started the scene stirring a space object pot. Low and behold, I easily became the protagonist. I did alright. My initial offer (wanting to win the chili cook-off) was a bit plot heavy, and even though I quickly altered it (to wanting my life to be more spicy like chili) the show still ended up a little clunky on the plot heavy side.

Early on, Mandy was ambiguously endowed as my girlfriend, which gave me difficulties as I ended up being seduced by Molly’s character. In retrospect, I think I would have had an easier time navigating the story had Mandy been endowed as my sister. This would have brought in more of a family aspect; she could have served as my confidant; and Molly’s character could have been my love interest. All of which would have made the show cleaner.

I felt good about my singing, and got some good notes from Christian on how to improve. I also need to remember to let the protagonist get in trouble and make bad decisions early in the show. I should have let Molly’s character seduce me sooner, but I was in my head about how to do that and still remain likeable (which wouldn’t have been an issue had Mandy been my sister).

I’ve got one more show left. I suppose it’s possible I may pick up another of Derek’s slots, but I’m going to assume I only have the one show left. Not sure I’ll aim for the protagonist in it or not. I may want to just enjoy playing around as a side character. I’ve got plenty of time to think about it though, as I’m not performing again until the 15th.