Half Life

By | May 2, 2019

Synonyms

None.

Introduction

We will see a scene repeated in less and less time.

Description

Half Life is a venerable handle that is used to manipulate an open scene. There is an initial reference scene that the performers create. It is recommended that the reference scene be a bit curt, have simple dialogue, and have some obligatory action. The reference scene need not be funny and “vanilla” is a common phrase attributed to the reference scene for Half Life. Some houses will limit the reference scene to one minute.

The host then indicates that the scene will be repeated in 30 seconds. The content, dialogue and narrative arc of the reference scene now must be completed in 30 seconds. The reference scene is repeated again in 15 seconds, and then again in 7 seconds. Hence the name Half Life.

Gimmicks

  • None.

Variations

  • Half Space – the reference scene is repeated in half the space.

Credits

  • None.