Name That Schlock is an improvised game show designed for a party, employing a selection of ambiguous objects and an illuminated rotating pedestal, and featuring a live band, host, host’s assistant, and judges. For other projects employing ambiguous objects, see Games to Cultivate a Creative Attitude, Home Schlocking, and Soundcrafting with Wes Buckey, Episode 7.
Before the show begins, party attendees are invited to “Name That Schlock” – a table displays a selection of objects with corresponding labeled notepads and pencils, with which party attendees may write in their name ideas.
After an introduction by the host and band, the host’s assistant places an object on the illuminated rotating pedestal, and the host reads aloud the proposed names for the object as the band improvises in a call-and-response fashion with the host. The host may improvise tag lines or add other commentary during their reading.
After all the proposed names for an object are read aloud, the notepad of names is reviewed by the judges as the band improvises deliberation music.
When a winner is determined by the judges, the host declares the winner to the audience and invites the winner to the stage area. There, the winner demonstrates through pantomime, or other means, how to use or interact with the object based upon their idea for a name. The band accompanies this performance in an improvised fashion.
The audience cheers and this cycle repeats with a new object placed upon the illuminated rotating pedestal.
There are no “prizes,” per se. It is a Dada game show. Contact neilhorsky@yahoo.com to bring Name That Schlock to your classroom, workplace, or party!