A method for interacting with a virtual game environment in an actor/director model is performed on a first computing device in an actor mode of operation and a second computing device in a director mode of operation. Both devices display the shared virtual environment. The second device pairs with the first device and synchronizes with the virtual environment of the first device during the pairing. After the pairing, the first device receives a message from the second device to request a change in the virtual environment. The first device implements the requested change and transmits changes including the requested change to the second device. The second device displays the virtual environment and additional controls. After pairing, responsive to receiving a user input on a control of an element in the virtual environment, the second device generates and transmits a message to the first device to request the element change.