Screen tests
Two performers — the "directors" — run a casting for a film chosen by the audience. The other performers enter the audition not knowing the film, and through the directors' notes try to "feel out" the right role and the film's world. Good for training pattern recognition, support, and quick uptake of game notes.
Players
3–8
Difficulty
Beginner
Host
Yes
Full description
Setup and launch
Choose two "directors" and get a well-known film from the audience. The title is told only to the directors; the other performers don't know it. Briefly agree on signals: "Stop," "Thank you, next," applause for a good hit.
Explain to performers: enter one at a time (or in pairs) for the audition, immediately offer a clear type/circumstance, listen to notes and play them fully, don't ask leading questions and don't fish for the title. Directors — give playable, brief notes (status, relationships, manner, circumstances, genre markers), avoiding direct spoilers.
Flow
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Briefing and setup. Briefly refresh the directors on the film's key reference images (genre, famous scenes, archetypes). Set the round rhythm: 20–40 seconds per performer's take, total round 3–5 minutes.
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First take. The performer "enters the room," announces their name/type, begins a mini-scene. Directors quickly give 1–2 precise notes that bring the performance closer to the film's world (status, energy, attitude toward the partner/"camera"), and immediately launch the continuation.
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Role refinement. If the performer is getting close — directors offer more specific scene circumstances (location, goal, emotional tone). If off — gently redirect toward the needed archetype, without giving away lore and character names.
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Rotation. After half a minute, directors stop: "Thank you, next," and send in the next performer. Maintain a lively pace so comparison of attempts helps performers read the patterns.
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Closing. When a performer clearly "recognizes" the role/world — give a short final take and cut. If the round has dragged — directors lead toward a common genre cliché and close the scene with applause.
Key rules
Directors give only playable notes (behavior, status, relationships, manner), not facts and names — so performers read the pattern through action.
Watch the pace: 20–40 seconds per take is enough; if the impulse dies — immediately "Thank you, next."
Performers shouldn't "fish" for hints with questions; instead actively offer types and circumstances — the coach cuts off guessing with words.
Avoid narrowly obscure hints: rely on genre markers and archetypes so all performers have a chance to hit.
Highlight near-correct hits with brief encouragement and immediately a refining note — this reinforces the overall pattern.
Context
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