2. VIEWPOINTS EXERCISES
Based on the work of Anne Bogart and Tina Landau.
(All of these exercises can be done with a partner, a group, or even a leader calling out the next instruction. Approach the work as it best suits your resources and comfort level.)
The focus is awareness of:

• Space
• Time
• Shape
• Movement
• Relationship

Exercise A: Spatial Relationship
With a partner, move freely about the room.
Instructions: Have someone call out ...

• "One foot"
• "Three feet"
• "Five feet"
• "Ten feet"
• "Across the room"

On each, you and your partner must follow the instruction and stand at what you determine the distance to be. Then begin walking again until the next instruction is given.
Begin to notice how distance functions as a storytelling tool.

Exercise B: Architecture
Explore the room and interact with:

• Walls
• Floor
• Chairs
• Corners

Without pretending.
Notice how the room becomes an active scene partner.

Exercise C: Tempo Changes
Explore the room and engage with the following tempos:

• Slow motion
• Half speed
• Normal
• Double speed

Instantly adapt from one to the next.
This develops physical awareness.

Exercise D: Kinesthetic Response
With a partner:

• One performer moves.
• If compelled, you may respond immediately with movement.
• No planning.
• Just impulse.
• Movement shifts from one to the next when compelled.

This is often a gateway into strong devised work.