The concept of first, second, and third beats in a Harold — how scenes recur and transform across the show. Each beat has a distinct function, and the progression from first to third is the arc that gives a Harold its shape.
First beat = Discovery. Three unrelated two-person scenes. Each establishes a clear base reality and discovers a game. The scenes should be distinct from each other — no obvious connections. The improvisers are mining these scenes for what's interesting, unusual, or playable. First beats are an exercise in initiation.
Second beat = Heightening / Exploration. Three scenes revisiting first-beat worlds. Two main techniques for revisiting:
- Time dash: Same characters, different point in time. A newly married couple with problems in beat one; in beat two, it's their tenth anniversary and the problems have escalated. Vertical heightening — same game pushed further in the same world.
- Analogous scene: Different characters in a different context, but the same game pattern. A scene about a bad cop becomes a scene about a bad priest — same dynamic (authority figure failing at their duty), new context. This is if-this-then-what applied across scenes. Will Hines: "Do both vertical and horizontal."
The term "pulling" is used: performers "pull" games, premises, or themes from first beats into second beats.
Third beat = Connection / Resolution. Scenes are typically shorter. The primary move is connection: themes, characters, situations, and games from the whole piece converge. Characters from different storylines may meet for the first time. Games from earlier reach their most absurd or emotionally resonant conclusions. At the extreme end, all worlds collapse into a single scene.
Between beats: Group games punctuate and divide the piece. After first beat and after second beat, the entire ensemble takes the stage to explore a concept together. These serve as palate cleansers, ensemble-bonding moments, and thematic bridges.
The progression: Beat one plants seeds. Beat two grows them. Beat three reveals they were all in the same garden.