I’M NOT LEAVING

This game is more of a tool to incorporate into a scene rather than a structural game. And it’s fun to play.

Have you heard of the phrase “Torment The Hero”? This is a concept Keith Johnstone used to describe the task of frustrating the protagonist:

• Get in the way of their objectives.
• Challenge their values.
• Wrap them in frustration and disaster

GAME: I’M NOT LEAVING

ORIGIN: Shawn

BENEFITS: Creating tension, Creating tilts, Pushing scenes forward.

# PEOPLE: Typical scene 

GOAL: Create a time limited promise and deal with the outcomes on the relationships.

PROCEDURE: 

1. Start a scene. Create a stable, balanced relationship with no issues.
2. Establish that one character must leave.
3. The other character resists leaving (or doesn’t allow the other to leave) and gives a reason.
4. Create a time limit in context of the scene. (My plane leaves in 2 minutes, The store closes at 5:00, etc)
5. Cross the time limit.
6. Deal with the consequences!

EXAMPLE: 

BALANCED RELATIONSHIP:
Sharon and Lee (at Sharon’s place) are having lemonade on the balcony of her downtown loft, talking and laughing. 

ONE CHARACTER MUST LEAVE
Sharon: “It’s been a lovely visit but unfortunately it’s time to say goodbye.”

RESIST LEAVING
Lee: “I would like to stay and spend more time with you.”

TIME LIMIT
Sharon: “My husband will be home soon. It would be best if you left.”

Lee: (goes to the door and locks it).
(scene is revealing they’ve had an intimate relationship and Lee is pushing for more)
Fulfill the Promise: – Keys are heard and the lock of the door is released. 

CROSS THE TIME LIMIT
Tom  enters. 
Sharon goes to him affectionately, hiding the tension that was building with Lee.
She makes an excuse for Lee being there:

Sharon: “LEE was just leaving.”
Lee: “Yes, I really should”

(BONUS – NEW RESISTANCE TO LEAVING)
TOM: “No, no, you MUST stay. I insist. You should stay for supper. We’ll order some Thai food and catch up!”
LEE:  “Actually. I should go…I have to be home to put the baby to sleep.”
Tom:  “You aren’t leaving. I was just visiting your family. They don’t want you back. Sit down.”

TEACHING TIPS: 

Practice small sections:

• Balanced Platforms without conflict.
• Set up characters who will leave and set time limitations. (Don’t make the time limitation too long.) 
• Practice creating reasons for resistance. 
• Practice increasing tension as the time limit approaches. (Strong consequences and growing emotions).
• Don’t shy away from hitting the time limit. Commit to the consequences of the time limit.
• Try not to be WEIRD. If your initial platform is filled with a rich amount of details, you won’t have to create arbitrary reasons outside of what you’ve already established. If you don’t have a variety of ideas in the opening part of the scene you will end up grasping for ideas that haven’t been introduced, which is not ideal.
• Have the characters fight for their desires. Argue for what they want. (My husband, will be home soon! YOU HAVE TO LEAVE!!!)
• ANYONE can offer to leave or ask the other person to leave.

IMPORTANT: BE ALTERED by the tension and resistance. Otherwise, the value of the choices feel less important to the audience.