- "Improvisational theatre, often called improvisation or improv, is the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted, created spontaneously by the performers."
Introduction to improvisational theatre techniques like Yes, And, Listening, Trust, and Spontaneity. This also includes beginner-friendly games and exercises to start with.
Yes, and: The foundational rule of improv where a performer agrees with a suggestion and builds upon it.
Listening skills: The ability to pay attention to one's scene partner and respond accordingly.
Character work: Creating believable and unique characters on the spot.
Scene work: Building a scene from scratch and knowing when to heighten or end it.
Object work: Miming the use of props and incorporating them into a scene.
Physicality: Using one's body to convey emotions or create movement in a scene.
Improv games: Structured exercises or games that help develop certain improv skills.
Status: Understanding how power dynamics can impact a scene.
Emotions: The ability to portray a range of emotions in a scene.
Storytelling: Weaving a narrative in a scene while also making it entertaining and engaging.
Timing: Knowing when to enter or exit a scene or make a punchline.
Group dynamics: Working as a team to create a cohesive and entertaining scene.
Spontaneity: Being present in the moment and embracing the unexpected.
Improv vocabulary: Understanding and using the terminology commonly used in improv.
Musical improv: Singing and creating spontaneous songs in a scene.
Mime: Using body language and facial expressions to communicate without words.
Genre work: Exploring different genres and styles of improv, such as long-form, short-form, or sketch comedy.
Risk-taking: Taking risks and making bold choices in a scene.
Connection: Creating a connection with scene partners and building trust in the moment.
Repetition: Using repetition to create a comedic or dramatic effect in a scene.
Yes, And: This is a foundational improv technique where a performer accepts the reality of the improvised scene and builds onto it by adding new information. The performer agrees with what their partner says and adds something new.
Character work: Performers create unique, fully realized characters on the spot. They may use physicality, voice, and emotions to create a character in a matter of seconds.
Emotional heightening: Performers elevate the emotions in a scene to make it more interesting and engaging. They may start with an ordinary emotion and then exaggerate it to create a more heightened emotional state.
Environment: Performers create the world of the scene through the use of physicality and description. They may start with a simple suggestion and then build a rich and detailed environment through their imagination.
Object work: Performers use imaginary objects in their scenes and make them feel real through the use of physicality and description. They may use objects to create conflict, move the scene forward, or add humor.
Status: Performers play with the status of their characters to create tension and conflict in the scene. They may change the status of their character or their partner's character to create dynamic and interesting relationships.
Storytelling: Performers create stories on the spot, taking the audience on a journey through different characters and locations. They may use different narrative techniques to make the story engaging and entertaining.
Silence: Performers use silence to add dramatic effect, create tension, or allow their partner to shine. They may use silence as a tool to enhance the scene and create deeper connections with their partner.
- "In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in present time, without use of an already prepared, written script."
- "Improvisational theatre exists in performance as a range of styles of improvisational comedy as well as some non-comedic theatrical performances."
- "It is sometimes used in film and television, both to develop characters and scripts and occasionally as part of the final product."
- "Improvisational techniques are often used extensively in drama programs to train actors for stage, film, and television and can be an important part of the rehearsal process."
- "However, the skills and processes of improvisation are also used outside the context of performing arts."
- "This practice, known as applied improvisation, is used in classrooms as an educational tool and in businesses as a way to develop communication skills, creative problem solving, and supportive team-work abilities that are used by improvisational, ensemble players."
- "It is sometimes used in psychotherapy as a tool to gain insight into a person's thoughts, feelings, and relationships."
- "Improvisational theatre, often called improvisation or improv..."
- "Most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted, created spontaneously by the performers."
- "The dialogue, action, story, and characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in present time..."
- "Improvisational theatre exists in performance as a range of styles of improvisational comedy as well as some non-comedic theatrical performances."
- "In its purest form, the dialogue, action, story, and characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in present time, without use of an already prepared, written script."
- "To develop characters and scripts and occasionally as part of the final product."
- "Improvisational techniques are often used extensively in drama programs to train actors for stage, film, and television and can be an important part of the rehearsal process."
- "Develop communication skills, creative problem solving, and supportive team-work abilities that are used by improvisational, ensemble players."
- "It is sometimes used in psychotherapy as a tool to gain insight into a person's thoughts, feelings, and relationships."
- "Develop communication skills, creative problem solving, and supportive team-work abilities that are used by improvisational, ensemble players."
- "Without use of an already prepared, written script."
- "Improvisational techniques are often used extensively in drama programs to train actors for stage, film, and television and can be an important part of the rehearsal process."