🔃New Choice

Setup and Launch

Bring 2–4 performers on stage. Explain the rule: on your signal "New Choice!" they instantly replace the most recent line or action — anything from a slight shift in meaning to a radically different move. You can target the replacement specifically: "new entrance", "new emotion", "new dance", etc. Partners accept the new version without argument and continue the scene. A good audience intro: "Two actors will improvise a scene, but whenever I say New Choice they have to change what they last said."

Flow

1. Launch. Give a simple starting point (location, relationship, or activity) and let the scene unfold for 10–20 seconds so facts and a connection between the characters can emerge. Start the scene fairly normal — the game will make it weird all by itself.

2. First alternatives. Call a few signals early, alternating between replacing lines and replacing actions. If you hear performers cycling through synonyms, push them toward a qualitatively different alternative — a change of intention, status, or emotion. Performers should say the first thing that comes to mind even if it seems wrong; they can justify it afterwards.

3. Pace and focus. Vary how often you call: sometimes demand a rapid series of alternatives until a strong version lands, then let it breathe. Sharpen the focus when needed: "new emotion", "new entrance", etc. You can also use the game as an unblocking tool — keep calling New Choice through a block until a strong yes-and emerges.

4. Closing. When a vivid turn or solid game idea has emerged, stop intervening and let the scene reach its button organically. After the applause, rotate the cast.