Opening:
Start by asking an audience member for the lyrics to their favorite song or lines form a poem. 

Spine Scene #1 (4 to 5 minutes):
Two or more improvisers go out onto the stage to have a long, very grounded scene based on ideas generated from the song lyrics given by the audience member. Don’t go for laughs during this scene. Instead, go for a scene that is strong with relationships and emotion. Laughs are fine if they happen, but you aren’t fishing for them in this scene. Let the scene play out for 4 to 5 minutes and end on a solid button line if possible. 

Thematic Scene #1 (3 minutes):
While the first spine scene is taking place, the rest of the troupe is listening for solid themes to explore in the next set of scenes. These will take general ideas, but not specific characters or situations from the spine scene. Think of these as metaphors or thoughts inspired by the spine. There are two of these, each picking a distinct theme, and running for around 3 minutes each (total of 6 minutes).

An example of a theme scene is if the characters in the spine scene are talking about their marriage being like a prison, you might see a pair of inmates plotting their escape. 

Thematic Scene #2 (3 minutes):
Pick something different from the first theme scene. Let this play out for around 3 minutes as well.

Spine Scene #2 (2 minutes):
While the thematic scenes are playing out, the Spine players are paying attention to what the others picked out of their scene to pursue. These will be the main themes focused on moving forward. Have a 2 minute scene exploring those themes. 

Commentary Scene #1 (2 minutes):
Commentary scenes explore what’s fucked up about the Spine scene’s characters and situations. These can now directly bring in characters and situations mentioned in the Spine scenes if desired. New characters and situations can also be created.  The improvisers in the Spine scenes may play in these, but they should play distinctly different characters, with unique voices and physicalities, and not play in a scene together to avoid audience confusion. There are usually 3 or 4 of these Commentary scenes. 

Commentary Scene #2 (2 minutes):
More exploration of what’s fucked up about the Spine scene. 

Commentary Scene #3 (2 minutes):
And possibly a fourth one if you choose. 

Spine Scene #3 (2 minutes):
Now take things up a notch. Double down on what your spine scene was about. Heighten things.

The Run (4 to 5 minutes):
Mix and match things from the Thematic scenes and the Commentary scenes. Can also create new characters and situations. These should start short and get shorter and quicker. The last two or three are almost pure punchlines. Several ‘mic drop’ button lines might emerge through The Run.

Spine Scene #4 (2 minutes):
The last scene. Wrap things up with a bow. Usually lasts around 2 minutes, but take the time you need to finish in a satisfying way. 

THAT’S OUR SHOW!!!