Summary
2 player scene with two other players assigned to each of them; they are in the wings. Before or after the player speaks, the player assigned to them speaks their inner thoughts and the player makes this part of who they are.
Variation: Subtext
Two players perform a scene. Two additional players sit offstage or to the sides, one for each actor, and speak their character’s inner monologue aloud — what the character is actually thinking and feeling beneath the polite surface of the dialogue. The inner voice doesn’t control the scene actor; it runs alongside them, creating a simultaneous second conversation. The richest version of this game is when what a character says and what they think are significantly different, revealing the gap between social performance and internal reality.
Example: Scene: two people catching up at a party. Actor A says, “You look great.” Inner voice: “Why does she always look like that?” Actor B: “Thanks! Things have been really good.” Inner voice: “If they ask about the job I’m leaving.” A: “What have you been up to?” Inner voice from B: “Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no.”
Variation: Inner Voice
Two players perform a scene. Two additional players stand just behind them — one behind each actor — and serve as their character’s inner monologue, speaking aloud what the character is actually thinking but not saying. The inner voice players should not dictate the scene but react honestly to what’s happening, revealing the gap between what a character says and what they feel. The scene actors play normally and can be influenced by (but are not required to follow) what their inner voice reveals.
Example: Scene: two coworkers at a meeting. Actor A says, “Great presentation, really.” Inner voice: “I could have done that in my sleep.” Actor B: “Thanks, it took all weekend.” Inner voice: “Please notice me. I need this so much.” The subtext running beneath the polite surface gives the scene a second, richer layer.