In the Studio 5 States of tension

In a group of about 5, set the following scenario:

5 people are all painting a wall several storeys up in a block of flats - encourage individual painting styles and vocal sound effects.

There’s a threat (individuals decide what the threat is) and decide in which direction it’s coming from. The threat is represented by a clap which the task leader will deliver.

• 1st clap: No reaction, painting action continues in individual rhythms. The audience/viewer becomes aware of something the protagonists aren’t.
• 2nd clap: Continue the painting action but acknowledge the threat.
• 3rd clap: Stop the action, acknowledge the threat, tune into the group, eventually find the rhythm of the action…phew...relief!
• 4th clap: Immediate stop, hiatus, group find the moment to all return to action but at double speed
• 5th clap: Freeze: maybe just eyes flick
• 6th clap: The THREAT is upon you !!

Practise this exercise then play with it. Escape from the block of flats, down the emergency stairs - repeat the claps - run down the street - repeat the claps.

Try the exercise in different scenarios/scenes. You might edit some of the sequence and polish it.