🙅Up Yours

Setup and Launch

Place three actors on stage and a fourth near the closest entrance. Agree on one trigger phrase — "Up yours!" (or equivalent) — after which there is an immediate exit and instant replacement entry. Basic rule: the incoming actor takes exactly the same role and completes what the previous one refused or didn't get to do.

Briefly lock in the scene facts: relationships, status, location, and physical actions are preserved. Run a "dry rehearsal": the phrase is spoken — clean exit with no additions — sharp entry of the replacement — continuation of the begun action. Launch the scene with a simple situation.

Play

1) Start and reconnaissance

Three actors begin a normal scene; the fourth is on standby, observing and memorizing each actor's voice, physicality, and position. The trainer watches that offers are specific and actions are visible.

2) Trigger and clean exit

Any of the three can respond to any offer with the trigger phrase and immediately leave the playing area by the shortest route. No parting lines, gestures toward the audience, or delays.

3) Instant replacement and follow-through

The waiting actor immediately enters the same spot in the same role, accepts the offer, and carries it through to a mini-result (signs it, kisses, lifts the heavy object — exactly what was refused). Voice, status, and character relationships are preserved.

4) Rotation and rhythm

The actor who left via the phrase becomes the new "standby" offstage — there are again three on stage. The trainer regulates frequency: if the trigger fires too often — asks them to play longer without a switch; if the pace sags — reminds about clear offers and physical actions.