This is a very simple Improv theater game that works best with actors that are as young as 3rd grade but it can also be challenging for adults. You can ask for plot suggestions from those seated in the audience or, if you are working with a script, it can be a great warm up/team building exercise to have your cast summarize the plot of the play using Fortunately/Unfortunately to begin each new sentence. For example, a cast who is rehearsing a production of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” might come up with this:
Baby Bear: Fortunately, there was porridge for breakfast. My favorite.
Mama Bear: Unfortunately, it was too hot.
Papa Bear: Fortunately, it was a beautiful day for a walk.
Goldilocks: Unfortunately, I broke into the house while they were out taking a walk.
Baby Bear: Fortunately, she wasn’t a bad person.
Mama Bear: Unfortunately, she ate my baby’s porridge
Papa Bear: Fortunately, she left mine and Mama Bear’s.
Goldilocks: Unfortunately, I broke baby’s bear’s chair.
Baby Bear: Fortunately, I prefer sitting on Mama’s lap.
Mama Bear: Unfortunately, we discovered the intruder sleeping upstairs.
Papa Bear: Fortunately, we are bears and we scared her away.
Goldilocks: Unfortunately, I jumped out the window and broke my leg.
Make sure that if you are using this as a warm up game before rehearsal that the actors play the game “in character.”
Key things to remember in Fortunately/Unfortunately:
- Don’t over-think it.
- Say “yes” and work within the given circumstances
- Listen and respond.