A while ago, Will Hines wrote about something he calls sympathetic disagreement on his blog ImprovNonsense. When I teach this idea, I usually explained it like this: “First, repeat what your scene partner just said that you agree with, and then politely object to one specific part of it.”
For instance:
- Brad
- I love dogs so much. I’d rather live with the meanest dog than with the kindest person.
- Jennifer
- I like dogs too, they’re awesome. But I’ve met some pretty mean dogs, who wanted to rip out my throat.
In this instance, Brad is taking on a point of view that many people share, that he loves dogs. But he takes it to an absured extreme. Continue reading “Sympathetic Engagement”