A delightful modern twist on the classic tradition of asides, Can I Talk to You for a Second offers characters a playful and highly theatrical device for creating mischief.
The Basics
During the course of a suggestion-inspired improv scene, players may self-select to pull another to the side of the action for a private “talking to” by using the titular phrase in a typically high-pitched cadence. Once the unsolicited advice has been proffered, players return to the scene in progress.
Example
Players explore the scenic promise of a 20th wedding anniversary. Player A assumes the role of one of the celebrants as the lights rise and is in the middle of an impassioned speech.
Player A: “… and I didn’t believe the poets when they said that you could grow to love someone even more with each passing day. But as I look now at my amazing spouse of 20 years, I will happily admit that the pessimist of my youth was wrong.” (Raising a glass) “So, I’d like you all to join me in a toast to…”
Player B: (who has been standing beside the speaker all this time, and in a quiet bit high intoned voice) “Can I talk to you for a second?”
Player A: “Of course, sweetie. If you’ll all hold that thought for a moment…”
Player A and B step to the side for their private exchange.
Player B: (in hushed tones) “You promised me you weren’t going to drink tonight. You know how you get with a few wines in you…”
Player A: “And that’s why I explicitly told the bartender to serve me sparkling grape juice for the whole evening, darling.”
Player B: “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you…”
Player A: “I know you only want the best for me, for us… May I continue with my speech?”
Player B: “Of course. Forgive me.”
Player A returns to their prior position and raises their glass.
Player A: “So I’d like to toast my better half who always has my back!” (They raise their glass and drink as the guests do the same.)
A nervous looking member of the wait staff, Player C, approaches the jubilant speaker.
Player C: “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, but…” (Their pitch rises) “…can I talk to you for a second?”
The new pairing crosses to the edge of the performance space.
Player A: (confidentially) “How can I help you?”
Player C: “Well, I just learnt from my manager that all those refills I’ve been giving you tonight should have been…”
The Focus
Capitalize on the fun shifts in tone and staging and keep an eye (and ear) out for games lurking in the secretive asides.
Traps and Tips
1.) Build your world. It’s easier and more effective to introduce the novel device after the audience understands the basic premise of the scene, so put your energy there first. Once strong and grounded relationships have been established, you’ll have more to playfully upend and tilt. (I’ve needed to leap ahead in my example a little to showcase the unique dynamic in play.)
2.) Pace your ruptures. The frequency of the asides tends to escalate on its own, so exert patience initially as you familiarize the audience with the conceit. It’s not unusual for the scene to end in a volley of sidebars, so avoid the temptation to start with this level of aggressiveness.
3.) Give big gifts. There is a revelatory function to the private chats, so be cautious of entering into these moments without the intent or energy needed to shake up the apple cart a little. If the asides become too mundane or momentum sapping, they’ll do the scene more harm than good. If in doubt, explore the possibility of a good old-fashioned CAD.
4.) Listen to everything. As is the case with most improv games that involve some element of secrecy, it’s critical that players hear everything even as each whispered aside goes unnoticed by their characters. In this way, games can be discovered and built upon, as I’ve endeavored to model with the wait staff member adding to Player A’s revelation about the sparkling grape juice (although I’d recommend exerting more patience than my example allowed).
In Performance
I love the stylistic silliness of the almost whining phrase and veneer of politeness leading into increasingly searing or blunt adjustments and critiques. Don’t feel the need to mask or hide the launching phrase as it becomes such a joyful and predictable catchphrase for the scene.
Most of my tips for Asides (found here) also apply to this variant.
Cheers, David Charles.
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Photo Credit: Mariah Clinkscales
© 2023 David Charles/ImprovDr
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