La Ronde

La Ronde takes its name from Arthur Schnitzler's play, which traces a daisy chain of romantic encounters. In the improv version, one character from each two-person scene carries over into the next, stitching together a chain of relationships. Scene 1 has Characters A and B. Scene 2 has B and C. Scene 3 has C and D, and on it goes. The last scene usually brings Character A back alongside the newest character, closing the circle. It's a real workout for character: each player has to remember who they were and carry that emotional life into a fresh context. It also reveals the hidden ties in a community, and lands a deeply satisfying loop when the final scene circles back to where it all began.

• Two players kick off a scene as Characters A and B, setting up a relationship and a situation.
• When that scene ends, Character B stays put — and a new player steps in as Character C.
• Scene 2 belongs to Characters B and C, in a fresh context shaped by who these characters are.
• When that one ends, Character C stays and Character D enters.
• Keep the chain going: every scene shares exactly one character with the one before it.
• For the final scene, bring back Character A (from the very first scene) alongside the last remaining character, and close the circle.
• The number of scenes equals the number of players — so everyone gets two scenes.

• Stage space, and enough players to complete the circle.

• Timed La Ronde: Each scene has a strict time limit (e.g., 2 minutes), ensuring momentum and preventing any single scene from dominating.
• Location La Ronde: All scenes take place in the same physical location but at different times, following the space through different eras or events.
• Themed La Ronde: The chain explores a specific theme (love, power, betrayal) across all the paired scenes.
• The circle can be broken intentionally to explore what happens when a character is revisited later rather than immediately.