Pillars

Pillars is a delightfully chaotic game that pulls the audience right up onto the stage. Two improvisers play a scene while two audience members stand behind them — one behind each player. These audience 'pillars' toss out a random word or short phrase whenever the improviser reaches back and taps them on the shoulder or arm. Whatever the pillar says, the improviser has to fold it into the scene — whether it fits or not. You get a scene full of happy non sequiturs, surprise pivots, and the pure joy of watching performers justify the unjustifiable. Pillars teaches active listening, smooth incorporation of outside offers, and that core idea of making your partner look good — audience partners included.

• Pick two improvisers to play a scene and two audience members to serve as pillars.
• Each pillar stands behind their assigned improviser, a little to the side so they can see the scene.
• Grab a suggestion from the audience for the scene's location or relationship.
• The two improvisers start playing the scene.
• Anytime, an improviser can reach back and tap their pillar for a word or short phrase.
• The pillar offers ANY word or phrase that pops into mind — there are no wrong answers.
• The improviser has to use that word or phrase right away, and justify it.
• The scene rolls on, with improvisers tapping their pillars whenever they like.
• End the scene on a satisfying moment or climax.

• Stage space, and two audience volunteers happy to serve as pillars.

• Expert Pillars: Instead of random words, the pillars provide words related to a specific topic suggested by the audience.
• Silent Pillars: The pillars write words on small whiteboards and hold them up instead of speaking.
• Pillars with Categories: Each pillar is assigned a category (animals, professions, emotions) and must provide words only from that category.
• Three improvisers and three pillars can be used for larger groups.