Impro', the offer, and the general public

I have been improvising in role since the early 1990's. Much of this work has been done in scaffolded/controlled clientele environments like corporate events, festivals and theme parks where the audience is primed for performance - they have purchased a ticket and therefore consent that entertainment will be part of their upcoming experience.

When working with the general public however this priming and acknowledgement of performance has not happened. This can lead to problems (all performers have war stories about interactions with the public) but it can also lead to magic moments. I try to focus on these magic moments, and I had a few this week when performing as a mime. My routine is based around my very active dog "Shadow", seen here in the photo (...or not seen perhaps). I am constantly monitoring the level of play and interest that the general public has with my character and my dog. Some people don't want to interact (or are absorbed in conversation and don't even see me) and that's fine. The fun happens however when the passers-by do want to interact and part of this is the accepting of my offer that "I have a dog". Many people see what I am doing and "get it", then want to play along by articulating things like "that's a lovely dog, can I pat it?" or "he's a good boy". This is a magic space for me where complete strangers chose to interact using their imagination, gut instincts and intuitive improvisation. They accept the offer (of the invisible dog) and usually over accept the offer (adding value to the idea by supporting, validating and collaborating) by patting the dog or asking it to do tricks. Lots of laughs!

There is also a cognitive dissonance element to the act for some children who hear adults talking about the dog and might even see other kids their own age coming to pat the dog and yet it is clear to them there is no dog. I usually see them alternating their gaze from the dog harness area back to their parents and so on, as they try to process the idea. Some of them eventually "get it" and understand the conceit of the idea, then empower themselves to come and participate in patting the imaginary dog. This is an example of a tiny boost of personal agency (self agency) for the child based on their newfound confidence to engage with improvising....and play with Shadow.

It is so much fun to play in this pure impro environment with people I will meet only briefly and never see again.