Ask the students to perform an improv scene. 3-4 minutes is perfect.
After the scene is over, discuss with the class what might be added to three mental lists:
This contains the names and details of every character we met and every character mentioned in the scene. The guest list also includes any stated relationships between characters (or any potential relationships).
This outlines any locations present in the world of the scene, plus any events in the past, present or future that have been mentioned.
Slightly trickier but what concepts, themes or theatrical motifs have been suggested by the scene?
This is a very heady concept but the idea is that if you do it enough, it becomes habitual and you can do it without thinking.
However, to start with you’ll need to make yourself do it. This is best achieved at the side of the stage or on the backline, not when you’re playing. When you’re on stage, just connect with your partner and play.
In this exercise context, that means that the students playing the scene should not be actively trying to fill the lists.
Once you’ve established this on a scenic level, the next step is to do several scenes in a row, making choices for the next scene based on consultation of the lists.
Ok, so we mentioned an estranged parent in that last scene, might it be a good idea for the next scene to flesh out that character a little?
I developed this in concert with a cohort of students in one of my narrative classes - I want to give credit to those wonderful improvisers.