Script For A Cocktail Party
A. Twelve guests are invited by two hosts (six each).
B. As they enter, each guest is handed a small card. The cards are given in order of arrival. Each contains a different instruction, mandating some variety of physical activity to be performed on cue.
C. An assembly with every appearance of a cocktail party ensues. That is, until the system of signaling is initiated, and the sequence of activities begins:
1. At 9:46 (by the clock in the hall), the first guest rises and throws heris glass to the floor.
2. The second guest rises, retrieves a dustpan hidden under the green armchair, and attempts to pick up the pieces without a broom.
3. As the dustpan first touches the shards, the third guest shouts once and starts pacing in a circle.
4. Upon hearing the shout, the fourth goes to the radio on the kitchen table and turns it to 88.9 FM.
5. When the radio comes on, the fifth guest goes to the dinner table and sits. This guest then lets heris head fall onto the table, and remains motionless.
6. The sixth picks up a striped handkerchief left on the cherry endtable and lets it fall to the floor.
7. Upon seeing the sixth guest pick up the handkerchief, the seventh guest rushes over, picks up a checkered handkerchief laid out next to it, and lets that fall as well.
8. Upon seeing the seventh guest run to the endtable, the eighth closely follows him or her. The eighth guest's goal is snatch both handkerchiefs out of the air--failing both, only the second. If both handkerchiefs have already reached the floor, she or he will stand still in close proximity to them and stare down.
9. The ninth guest proceeds to a mandolin leant against the wall in the corner, sits, picks it up, and strums it frantically for two minutes.
10. Whereupon the tenth guest starts to dance on tip-toe for the duration of the mandolin play, freezing with arms in the air upon its conclusion.
11. As the dance ends, the eleventh guest lets out a long whistle and lays upon the ground, head pointed towards the window.
12. This being accomplished, the twelfth guest points an index finger heavenwards. This is the signal for all activities to end and the dinner party proper to resume.
