The Armando
One performer shares a true personal story. The ensemble listens, then builds a series of improvised scenes inspired by the themes, images and emotions in that story - not the story itself.
About
The Armando (named after Armando Diaz) is a long-form format built on the relationship between personal truth and fictional transformation. The monologist does not direct the scenes; the ensemble must find what resonated and run with it. The best Armandos move between the deeply personal and the wildly theatrical, unified by a shared emotional core.
How to Play
- 1
One performer - the monologist - shares a true personal story to the ensemble and audience. The story should be specific, personal and emotionally genuine. It typically runs 3-5 minutes.
- 2
The monologist steps aside. The ensemble begins a series of improvised scenes inspired by the story.
- 3
Scenes should not recreate the story literally. Instead they explore its themes, images, feelings and relationships in new fictional contexts.
- 4
The monologist may return between scenes to add new reflections or memories triggered by what they have just watched.
- 5
The ensemble ends the form when the thematic material feels fully explored.
Variations
- -Guest monologist: invite a non-performer to share a story - a community member, a local figure, a student. The ensemble's response becomes an act of genuine listening.