Training Shorts

Training shorts are 3-minute scenes written to help actors and improvisors hone their craft. This scene comes with:

• An emotionally-tense premise with a brief backstory
• Characters written to be gender-neutral so anyone can play them comfortably
• Rehearsal notes for Actors and Improvisors with activities and guidance

The Premise for We should go back

One evening, two valet drivers find themselves at a crossroads—literally and morally—after accidentally hitting a lone pedestrian with a vehicle. With their valet stand only a few blocks away, they’re faced with a decision: go check on the guy and take responsibility or keep moving forward.

Actor and Improv Notes

Exercises pulled from teachers like Stanislavski, Chekov, Viola Spolin, and Keith Johnstone

• 2 Activities focused on helping Actors feel and express the emotional weight of guilt
• 2 Activities focused on helping Improvisors expand the emotional and physical landscape established by the premise.
• Helpful background about where these exercises come from and how they work.

Message from the author

Matt Donovan is a product designer, writer, and actor living in Kansas City.