Mr so and So

Listening Scene Work

Mr. So-and-So is a hybrid game and exercise in which one performer introduces a character -- "Mr. So-and-So" -- by physicalized description and behavioral endowment, and other performers must immediately embody and play that character according to the introduction. The exercise develops the ability to rapidly translate a described character into full physical and behavioral embodiment, and trains the group's capacity to all play the same character simultaneously with consistency and specificity.

Structure

Setup

One performer or the facilitator takes the role of introducer. The remaining performers wait to receive the character introduction.

Progression

The introducer announces: "Allow me to introduce Mr. So-and-So" -- or a specific name -- and then describes the character's physical qualities, status, movement pattern, emotional state, or behavioral quirk with as much specific detail as possible.

All other performers simultaneously adopt the described character and begin inhabiting them in the space -- walking, interacting, and speaking as Mr. So-and-So. The group's challenge is to achieve a consistent, recognizable shared character rather than multiple individual variations.

After a period of group character play, the introducer may call a new character, and all performers immediately transform.

Ending

The exercise concludes after several character introductions. The facilitator debriefs the consistency and specificity of each character across the group.

How to Teach It

Objectives

Mr. So-and-So trains rapid character embodiment from a described specification, the ability to translate verbal character information into precise physical and behavioral choices, and the ensemble skill of achieving a shared character simultaneously with consistency across performers.

How to Explain It

"You're getting a character described to you. The moment the description begins, start translating it into your body. Don't wait until it's complete. By the time the introducer finishes, Mr. So-and-So should already be walking in this space."

Scaffolding

Begin with simple, physically specific characters (a very old person with a bad knee, someone who smells everything) before introducing more psychologically complex or behaviorally subtle characters. The exercise builds the rapid translation muscle before introducing nuance.

Common Pitfalls

Performers often produce individual variations of the described character rather than a shared one -- each performer emphasizing the aspects of the description that resonated most with them. Coach the group to find the single most central quality of the description and anchor the shared character there.

How to Perform It

Audience Intro

"We'd like you to meet someone -- actually, several someones. Help us describe who they are, and we'll all become them at once."

Cast Size

Flexible: 3 to 10 performers. 1 performer takes the introducer role per round.

Staging

Open stage. The introducer stands at a distinct position; the ensemble occupies the main playing area ready to receive and embody the character.

Wrap-Up Logic

End after three to five character introductions, or when the group has demonstrated a satisfying range of character consistency and transformation across multiple distinct characters.