ChannelSurfingShow

Channel Surfing

Synopsis

Semi-organic long-form improv mixing elements of The Harold with the short-form game Pan Left to tell the story of two people sitting on a couch watching TV.

Overview

R1 represents the dominant reality of two (or more, later) people who start out watching TV. They develop a relationship and resolve a conflict during the course of the show. Continuity is important.

Transition to R2a via remote control.

R2 represents television reality. These are short vignettes or fragments as if found channel surfing. Initially they're short and independent of each other and the R1 plot used as an idea generator like the Radar Walk. With time elements from previous rounds of R1 and R2 influence or are reincorporated in later R2 scenes. R2 scenes should support or intensify the R1 plot but can also counterpoint R1 or provide show balance (energy, mood.)

R3 is a functional gag to break at the half. It's not essential and can be dropped to save time.

Both R1 and R2 should jump through time. The R2 scenes take time in the R1 universe so if in R1 the pair on the couch are snuggling, after the next round of R2 scenes are done, the couple from R1 could have just finished having sex. Or a fight. Or something. Play as Pan Left and let real time pass off-stage.

While it might be cool to have characters, etc. leap from R2 into R1, this should be done sparingly to avoid cheap gags the break the independent realities of R1 and R2. Hey, that's you on the news! is okay, Oh no - How did I get trapped in the TV set? is stupid. The schtick works in Stay Tuned (Pam Dawber, John Ritter, Eugene Levy); I think it'll fall apart in this format.

While watching R2 scenes we should be wondering what happened on the other channel with the couple (R1.)

Structure

R1a: Open on 1-2 people on couch facing TV. Short neutral scene to open show. Transition to R2a via remote control.

R2a: 5-6 very short independent R2 scenes.

R1b: Platform. Set up conflict.

R2b: 3 short scenes. Exacerbate conflict or intensify mood alluded to in R1b.

R1c: Start conflict.

R3c: Commercial interruption as we go to the half

Intermission

R3d: Commercial interruption as we return from the half

R1d: Fight over remote control.

R2d: 3 scenes, bleeding in elements from R1, R2

R1e: Tilt & cliffhanger

R2e: 3 climactic scenes again reincorporating elements from R1, R2

R1e: Resolve R1 & close.

Logistics

• Cast

  • 8 players (6-10)

• Crew

  • 1 lighting
  • 1 box
  • 1 musical improvisor (Tim!)

Goals

• Do something organic
• Do an original thematic long-form.