RUEN

Chairs

Also known as: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Non-musical Chairs

A long-form where two performers build interwoven storylines by rearranging two chairs — each configuration establishes a scene's location without a word of explanation. The format trains visual storytelling and spatial awareness.

Players

2–8

Duration

20-30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Props

Yes

Full description

Setup and Launch

You need two chairs on stage and enough open space to move them around. Before the show, brief the performers: the audience provides a single suggestion, and every location change is communicated solely by repositioning the chairs. Performers can change characters whenever the setting shifts. There is no fixed running order — scenes flow freely.

Each scene is a two-hander, though the cast can rotate between scenes. The space must allow quick, easy movement of furniture. A classic twist: swap the chairs for couches or chaise lounges — the physical effort of dragging heavy furniture changes the pacing and gets laughs on its own.

Flow

1. Audience suggestion

Ask the audience for a single suggestion. It can be a place, an object, a relationship, or an abstract idea — anything that gives the performers a shared jumping-off point.

2. First chair arrangement

The performers silently arrange the chairs to establish the opening location. No verbal explanation — the audience reads the setting from the physical picture alone. Two chairs side by side might be a park bench; angled toward each other, a therapist's office.

3. Scene 1

Two performers play a scene in that location. Let it run until it finds a natural button or the energy peaks — don't drag it out, but don't cut it short either.

4. Chair reset

One or both performers rearrange the chairs into a new configuration. This is a visible, deliberate act — treat it as a performance beat, not a stagehand chore. The rearrangement itself can carry emotion, humor, or rhythm.

5. Scene 2

Two performers (same pair or different) play a scene in the new location. They may continue existing characters or introduce new ones — whatever the story needs.

6. Repeat the cycle

Keep alternating: rearrange chairs, play a scene. When the chairs return to a previous configuration, the story returns to that location and its characters. This callback mechanic — returning to earlier details — is where the format's narrative power lives.

7. Closing

End when the allotted time runs out or the story lands on a satisfying note. A strong close often revisits the original chair arrangement, tying the narrative back to where it started.

Key rules

  • Chair placement defines location — Communicate every setting through chair position alone. The audience should never need dialogue to know where a scene takes place — the visual picture does that work, and it is the core mechanic of the format.

  • One scene at a time — Only one scene lives on stage at any moment. This keeps the narrative clean for both performers and audience.

  • Scene transitions happen through chairs — Rearranging the chairs is the only way to end one scene and begin another. This single, consistent device keeps transitions instantly legible and gives the format its rhythm.

  • All changes are visible and intentional — Move the chairs in full view of the audience. Do it with purpose and presence — rushed or careless rearrangement undercuts the format. When done well, the transition itself becomes a performance moment.

  • Flexible characters — Performers can switch characters when the location changes or carry a character into a new setting. Follow what serves the story. Some of the best moments come from a character showing up somewhere unexpected.

  • Use loose structure — Don't map out the show in advance. Let themes and connections between scenes emerge organically — the format is built for discovery, not execution of a plan.

  • Transitions are part of the show — The furniture move is not dead air. It's a beat. Use it to build anticipation, get a laugh, or shift the energy. The audience is watching — give them something to watch.

  • Don't explain location in words — Never announce where you are. If the setting isn't clear, adjust the chairs or use your body in the space. The moment you say "So here we are at the dentist," the format's visual engine breaks.

Format structure

Context

Resources

🧺 Cart