https://improvdr.com/2021/02/19/game-library-status-swap/

Most of the status games in my stock derive one way or another from Keith Johnstone’s critical work and writings on the topic, and Status Swap is certainly no exception. As we seek Change and dynamism in our scene work, this type of exercise can provide a helpful and motivating template. You can easily adapt the central conceit to explore other forms of “swaps” such as emotions, animal essences or physicalities.

The Basics

Generally played in pairs (perhaps with some additional players on standby to support as needed), one player is assigned as the “high status” character in the scene (holding the most “power” or sway), while the other assumes the role of the “low status” character (holding little such social capital). By the conclusion of the scene players must have facilitated an exchange in the status configuration so that now the high status character holds the lower status and vice versa.

Example

Player A has assumed the role of a high-powered CEO and “high status” while Player B is the new company intern and “low status”. It is apparently company policy for the CEO to meet all new hires and so Player A has been joined in their impressive office by a seemingly anxious Player B…

Player A: (pointing out the window) “…and that new wing should be completed in just a few more weeks.”

Player B: “You’ve really created an astounding company here.”

Player A: “But just twenty years ago, I was in a similar position as you right now…”

Player B: “Oh, I don’t think I could ever accomplish anything quite like this.”

Player A: “Software development is an ever-evolving field. You never know where the next million – or billion – dollar idea might come from.”

Player B: “You’ve certainly made the most out of your breakthrough all those years ago. You don’t worry that all of this might be made obsolete by the next great idea…?”

Player A: (a little thrown off) “Well, that’s why I hire the best and brightest, such as you!”

Player B: “I was just a little surprised on the tour to see that you’re still heavily investing in traditional manufacturing procedures. Everything we were exploring in my doctoral program points to quantum computing as the way forward…”

Player A: “Quantum computing…?”

The Focus

There are many ways that the status or power exchange can occur (as discussed below) but make sure this challenge remains at the center of the scene. You can also be strategic when assigning initial roles and statuses. Players who typically resist change or ceding the high ground may find giving up their power in the scene particularly disconcerting and so might benefit from at least initially experiencing the game from this orientation. While players who prefer assuming low status might find some discomfort in the high status role, I find that they are generally more willing to allow their status to change as the scene demands.

Traps and Tips