Heightening
Escalating the game of the scene by making each subsequent move more absurd than, but consistent with, what came before.
Known for
- UCB formulation: 'If this unusual thing is true, what else is true?', each heightened move deviates further from the expected pattern.
- Heightening alternates with justifying (grounding) so the scene stays believable as it escalates.
- Three classic axes of heightening: bigger, more specific, emotionally more intense.
- Over-heightening too fast ('straight to level 11') is a common failure mode; the rule of threes is a standard pacing device.
Connected to
Concepts
Schools & Theaters
ucb
Forms