The Machine
Spolin era-present · Chicago / global
Also known as Group Machine, Build a Machine
One player enters with a repetitive motion and sound; each subsequent player adds a linked motion-sound until a full kinetic sculpture is running.
Known for
- Spolin-lineage warm-up — the fundamental physical ensemble drill.
- Often given themes — 'the emotion machine,' 'the breakfast machine.'
- Variant of Human Machine; some troupes call them interchangeable, others distinguish 'machine' (thematic) from 'human machine' (abstract).
- Works as both show opener and rehearsal tune-up.
Connected to
Concepts
ensemble