Monthly Archives: June 2024

10 Modern Musical Styles Every Improviser Should Know (and Steal From!)

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Improv comedy is all about quick thinking, reacting, and building off of whatever your scene partner throws your way. Music is no different! Whether you’re doing a musical improv set or just want to bring some extra flavor to your scenes, having a few musical styles in your back pocket can be a game-changer.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular modern musical styles, their key elements, and how you can use them in your improv:

  1. Pop:
    • Characteristics: Catchy melodies, simple chord progressions (often I-V-vi-IV), focus on vocals.
    • Improv Tip: Think sing-songy dialogue, repetitive phrases, exaggerated emotional reactions.
  2. Hip Hop:
    • Characteristics: Strong beats, rhythmic vocals (rap), emphasis on storytelling.
    • Improv Tip: Rhyming games, playful boasting, incorporating current events or pop culture references.
  3. EDM (Electronic Dance Music):
    • Characteristics: Synthesizer-based sounds, repetitive builds and drops, fast tempo.
    • Improv Tip: Physicality! Use exaggerated movements to match the energy of the music. Let the beat drive your scene.
  4. R&B:
    • Characteristics: Smooth vocals, soulful melodies, often deals with themes of love and relationships.
    • Improv Tip: Bring sensuality and emotion to your scenes. Slow things down, use elongated vowels, and lean into romantic tension.
  5. Reggaeton:
    • Characteristics: Latin rhythms (Dembow beat), often sung in Spanish, themes of dancing and partying.
    • Improv Tip: Get everyone dancing! This style is all about fun and flirtation.
  6. Indie Rock/Pop:
    • Characteristics: Diverse instrumentation, less mainstream sound, often quirky or introspective lyrics.
    • Improv Tip: Play with unconventional characters, create unusual situations, and embrace the weird.
  7. Country:
    • Characteristics: Storytelling focus, often acoustic instrumentation, twangy vocals.
    • Improv Tip: Think of a scene as a song – give it a beginning, middle, and end. Use southern accents and draw inspiration from rural settings.
  8. K-Pop:
    • Characteristics: High energy, catchy melodies, synchronized dance moves, often sung in Korean.
    • Improv Tip: Bring in group dynamics. Choreograph simple moves and make your scenes visually appealing.
  9. Musical Theater:
    • Characteristics: Big emotions, dramatic vocals, often tells a story through song and dance.
    • Improv Tip: Go over the top! Belt out your lines, use dramatic gestures, and don’t be afraid to break into song.
  10. Jazz:
    • Characteristics: Improvisation, complex harmonies, syncopated rhythms.
    • Improv Tip: This is the ultimate improv music! Listen closely to your scene partner, react in the moment, and let the scene evolve organically.

Beyond the Basics

  • Explore different subgenres: Each musical style has countless variations. Dive deeper into each one to expand your musical vocabulary.
  • Use music as inspiration: Listen to playlists of these styles to get your creative juices flowing.
  • Practice, practice, practice: The more you improvise with different musical styles, the more confident you’ll become.

Have fun experimenting with these styles – you never know what hilarious musical improv moments might emerge!

Unlock Your Inner Bard: A Beginner’s Guide to Musical Improv

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Welcome to the world of musical improv, where spontaneity meets song! If you’ve ever dreamed of creating hilarious melodies and witty rhymes on the spot, then this guide is for you. At the New York Improv Theater, we believe that everyone has a musical genius hidden within, just waiting to be unleashed. So, let’s dive in and discover the joy of improvising songs together!

Rhyming Tricks to Elevate Your Lyrics

Rhyming is the heart and soul of musical improv. Here are some tricks to make your rhymes flow effortlessly:

  1. Embrace the imperfect rhyme: Not every rhyme has to be perfect. Near rhymes, also known as slant rhymes (e.g., “orange” and “door hinge”), can add a touch of quirkiness and surprise to your lyrics.
  2. Expand your vocabulary: The more words you know, the more rhyming options you have. Read poetry, listen to diverse music genres, and play word games to expand your lexicon.
  3. Use rhyme dictionaries: Rhyme dictionaries can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck for a word. Online resources and apps can quickly suggest multiple rhyming options.
  4. Practice free association: When you hear a word, let your mind wander and see what other words pop up. This can spark unexpected and creative rhymes.
  5. Listen to the rhythm: Pay attention to the rhythm of your words and phrases. A well-placed internal rhyme can add a pleasing musicality to your lyrics.

Games to Sharpen Your Rhyming Skills

  1. Rhyme Time: In a group, one person starts with a word, and the next person has to quickly respond with a rhyming word. Keep the chain going as long as possible.
  2. The Rhyming Dictionary Challenge: Divide into teams. Each team picks a word, and they have one minute to find as many rhyming words as possible using a rhyme dictionary. The team with the most words wins.
  3. Hush Little Baby: This classic game involves improvising the lyrics to the lullaby “Hush Little Baby” while keeping the original melody. Each player adds a new verse with a rhyming couplet.

Improv Music Games to Spark Your Creativity

  1. The One-Word Song: The audience suggests one word, and the performers create an entire song based on that word, incorporating it into the lyrics and melody.
  2. The Genre Switch: The performers start improvising a song in one genre (e.g., country) and then seamlessly switch to a completely different genre (e.g., hip hop) when cued.
  3. The Emotional Rollercoaster: The performers create a song that goes through a range of emotions, from joy to sadness to anger, expressing each feeling through the music and lyrics.
  4. The Sound Effects Symphony: The performers create a musical piece using only sound effects, such as clapping, snapping, stomping, and vocalizations.

Get Involved at the New York Improv Theater

At the New York Improv Theater, we offer a variety of classes and workshops to help you develop your musical improv skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced improviser, we have something for everyone. So, come join us and discover the joy of making music together!

Upcoming Events:

  • Musical Improv Jam: Join us for a fun and informal jam session where you can experiment with musical improv in a supportive environment.
  • Musical Improv 101 Workshop: This introductory workshop will teach you the basics of musical improv, including rhyming techniques, song structure, and character development.
  • Advanced Musical Improv Workshop: This workshop is designed for experienced improvisers who want to deepen their skills and explore more complex musical forms.

We hope this blog has inspired you to explore the exciting world of musical improv. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow!

Lights, Camera, More Action! Unmasking the Magic Behind the Scenes of TV & Film

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Ever binged a whole season of your favorite show in a weekend and wondered, “How do they do that?” Well, it takes a village! Here’s a peek behind the curtain at the all-star crew who bring your favorite stories to life.

The Dream Team: Leading the Charge

  • Director: The captain of the ship! They’re the visionaries, guiding the actors, and shaping the overall look and feel of a film or TV episode.
  • Showrunner: This is the big boss of a TV show. They’re the head writer, and also manage the whole creative vision from start to finish.
  • Cinematographer (Director of Photography – DP): They’re the artists behind the lens. They create the visual style, deciding on lighting, camera angles, and everything else that makes the show look so good.
  • Script Supervisor: Ever notice a tiny continuity error? That’s where the script supervisor comes in. They make sure everything stays consistent from scene to scene.

The Crew: Making the Magic Happen

  • 1st Assistant Director (1st AD): This is the director’s right-hand person. They manage the schedule, keep the set running smoothly, and basically make sure everything gets done on time.
  • 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD): They work closely with the 1st AD, handling call sheets (the daily schedule), wrangling actors, and managing extras.
  • Grip: They’re the muscle on set! They build and move all the heavy equipment, like lights and cameras.
  • Production Assistant (PA): These are the go-getters, doing a little bit of everything. They might be getting coffee, making copies, or helping out wherever needed.

The Unsung Heroes: Crafting the World

  • Set Designer: They create the environments where the stories unfold, whether it’s a cozy apartment or a futuristic spaceship.
  • Costume Designer: These fashion gurus dress the actors, making sure their outfits fit the characters and the time period.
  • Hair and Makeup Artists: They transform the actors into their characters, using wigs, makeup, and prosthetics.
  • Sound Designer: They create the soundscape of the film or TV show, from the dialogue to the background noise to the music.
  • Editor: They’re the storytellers in the editing room, piecing together all the footage to create a cohesive narrative.

Why This Matters to YOU

So, why should you care about all these roles? Well, if you’re interested in a career in TV or film, understanding these different jobs can help you figure out where your talents and interests might fit in. And even if you just love watching TV and movies, knowing more about what goes on behind the scenes can give you a deeper appreciation for the art and craft that goes into creating your favorite stories.

Your Turn!

Now that you know more about the amazing people who work behind the camera, maybe you’re inspired to try out some of these roles yourself! Check out the classes and workshops at the New York Improv Theater – who knows, you might just discover your hidden talent for filmmaking!

Let us know in the comments:

  • What’s your dream role on a film or TV set?
  • What’s your favorite behind-the-scenes fact?
  • What other questions do you have about the filmmaking process?

Making Money at Theaters and Clubs

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While performing at events is a great way to earn income, producing your own shows can significantly increase your earning potential and give you greater control over your career. By filling seats at theaters and clubs, you can generate revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions, while simultaneously promoting yourself to potential clients and building a dedicated fan base.

The Power of Independent Production

Many clubs and theaters are open to partnering with independent producers, especially on off-nights or during less popular time slots. By offering to fill these empty seats, you can negotiate favorable deals and create win-win situations for both yourself and the venue.

Leveraging Social Media and Local Support

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your shows and attracting audiences. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to create buzz, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, and offer exclusive discounts.

Explore the resources available in your local community to support artists. Look for grants, sponsorships, or partnerships with local businesses that can help offset production costs and increase visibility.

Think Outside the Box

If you’re struggling to secure stage time at established venues, consider alternative spaces. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops, dance studios, libraries, schools, and community centers can all serve as unique and engaging performance venues.

Negotiate deals that allow you to earn a fair share of the revenue generated by your shows. Remember, your goal is to make a profit, not just break even.

ROI: The Importance of Sweat Equity

In the early stages of your career, sweat equity is your most valuable currency. By investing your time and energy into promoting your shows, building relationships with venues, and honing your craft, you lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Real-World Example: Eight Is Never Enough

By 2005, the improv troupe “Eight Is Never Enough” had secured a coveted residency at the world-famous Improv Comedy Club in Times Square. They achieved this by tirelessly promoting their shows, building relationships with the club owners, and delivering consistently entertaining performances.

In the early days, the troupe members would often spend hours before each show selling tickets in Times Square, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to success. Their dedication paid off, as their shows consistently sold out, leading to lucrative private events, corporate gigs, and school performances.

Through their entrepreneurial spirit and relentless hustle, “Eight Is Never Enough” transformed a passion for improv into a thriving and sustainable business. Their story serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when performers take ownership of their careers and embrace the power of producing their own shows.

While others complain about fairness, lack of opportunities etc, I focus on getting work. I’d like to teach you how…. “QUIT YOUR DAY JOB” NOW FREE VIA KINDLE UNLIMITED. Just $2.99 for other Kindle readers. Paperback coming soon.

Decoding Gen Alpha: A 2024 Survival Guide for the Hopelessly Uncool Adult

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Brought to you by the New York Improv Theater, where we still haven’t mastered the Renegade dance…

This post inspired by recent show for 5th graders that used more unknown slang terms than English words 😆

So grab your juice boxes and get ready to learn the lingo that’s currently dominating elementary school playgrounds and Roblox servers. This is your chance to finally understand what your little cousin is talking about when they say their friend is being a “pick me girl” or that their new sneakers are “fire.”

Attention, all grown-ups who are still trying to figure out what a “VSCO girl” is: We’ve got a whole new generation of slang to decipher, and this time, it’s coming from the mouths of 10-year-olds. Yes, that’s right, Gen Alpha is here, and they’re bringing a whole new vocabulary with them.

Don’t Be So Skibidi!

Top 10 Slang Terms That Will Make You Sound Like the Coolest Aunt/Uncle Ever:

  1. Rizz: Charm or charisma, especially in a romantic context. Apparently, even 10-year-olds are worried about their dating game these days.
  2. No Cap: Still going strong with Gen Alpha! It means “no lie” and can be used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement.
  3. Bet: This versatile term is still used for agreement or excitement, but Gen Alpha has also added a new meaning: “challenge accepted.”
  4. Cheugy: Outdated or unfashionable. Sorry, skinny jeans, but you’re officially cheugy according to the 10-year-old fashion police.
  5. I’m Weak: Used to express amusement or laughter at something funny.
  6. Slay: The meaning hasn’t changed, but Gen Alpha is using it more than ever. Everything from a good grade on a test to a perfectly executed cartwheel can be described as “slaying.”
  7. Fanum Tax: A new term meaning to take someone’s food or belongings without permission. Apparently, stealing snacks is still a timeless pastime for kids.
  8. Vibe Check: Assessing someone’s energy or mood. If someone is giving off bad vibes, they might be in for a vibe check from their Gen Alpha peers.
  9. Sheesh: An exclamation used to express excitement, surprise, or approval. It’s basically the new “wow.”
  10. Hits Different: Still popular! Gen Alpha uses it to describe something that has a unique or unexpected effect, often in a positive way.

Bonus Slang Term That Will Definitely Confuse You:

  • Mewing: This isn’t actually a slang term, but it’s a trend that’s popular among Gen Alpha. It involves placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth to supposedly improve your jawline. We’re not sure if it works, but hey, the kids are trying.

Disclaimer: We at the New York Improv Theater can’t guarantee that using these slang terms will actually make you cool in the eyes of a 10-year-old. But hey, at least you’ll be able to understand their cryptic text messages and decipher their TikTok comments.

Remember: The key to speaking Gen Alpha is to have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new terms, and most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. After all, you’re trying to connect with a generation that still thinks slime is cool.

Happy slanging!

Behind the Scenes: The Unions and Guilds That Power TV and Film

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Have you ever wondered who represents the vast array of talent and skill behind your favorite movies and TV shows? The entertainment industry is a complex machine, and it relies on a network of unions and guilds to ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and proper compensation for everyone involved. Here’s a look at some of the major players:

For the Performers:

  • SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists): This powerhouse union represents actors, voice actors, broadcasters, journalists, dancers, DJs, and other media professionals. They negotiate contracts, set minimum pay rates, and protect the rights of their members.

For the Creatives:

  • WGA (Writers Guild of America): This guild advocates for the rights of screenwriters, television writers, and other writer-producers. They ensure fair compensation, residuals, and credit for their members’ work.
  • DGA (Directors Guild of America): Representing directors, assistant directors, unit production managers, and other key personnel, the DGA negotiates contracts, ensures creative rights, and sets standards for safe working hours.

Behind the Camera:

  • IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees): This is a massive union representing a wide range of behind-the-scenes professionals, including grips, set designers, costumers, make-up artists, hairstylists, camera operators, sound technicians, and many others.

On the Road:

  • Teamsters: This union is well-known for its involvement in transportation, and in the film industry, they represent drivers who transport equipment, sets, and personnel.

Other Key Guilds:

  • PGA (Producers Guild of America): This guild represents producers and other production professionals, working to elevate their standing and ensure they have a voice in the industry.
  • ADG (Art Directors Guild): Representing art directors, set designers, illustrators, and other visual artists, the ADG ensures they receive proper credit and compensation for their contributions.
  • MPEG (Motion Picture Editors Guild): This guild represents editors who shape the final cut of films and TV shows, advocating for their rights and ensuring their work is valued.
  • Local 600 (International Cinematographers Guild): This guild represents camera operators, assistant camera operators, and still photographers, promoting their craft and protecting their interests.

Why Unions and Guilds Matter

Unions and guilds play a crucial role in the entertainment industry. They ensure that everyone involved in the creative process is treated fairly, receives adequate compensation, and works in safe conditions. They also help to maintain industry standards and negotiate for the rights of their members.

Next time you’re enjoying a movie or TV show, take a moment to appreciate the incredible talent and hard work that goes into creating it – and remember the unions and guilds that help make it all possible.

Screenplay Formatting 101: Your Blueprint for the Big Screen

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Ever dreamed of seeing your story on the big screen? Before the lights dim and the credits roll, you’ve got to master the language of screenwriting. The good news? The formatting isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Let’s break down the key elements to transform your idea into a professional script.

The Building Blocks of Your Script

  • Logline: Think of this as your story’s elevator pitch. In one or two sentences, capture the protagonist, their goal, the conflict, and the high stakes. A compelling logline hooks readers from the start.
    • Example: A young wizard must find a magical artifact to save his school from an ancient evil.
  • Slugline (Scene Heading): This tells us where and when the scene takes place.
    • INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
    • EXT. FOREST – NIGHT
  • Action Lines: These describe what we see and hear on screen. Use present tense and vivid language to paint a picture.
    • Sunlight streams through the window as SARAH, a tired barista, pours a steaming latte.
  • Character Names: When a character first speaks, their name appears in ALL CAPS above their dialogue.
    • SARAH(smiling)Here’s your order, Mr. Smith.
  • Dialogue: This is what your characters say. Keep it natural, avoid overly long speeches, and let their personalities shine through.
    • MR. SMITHThanks, Sarah. You’re a lifesaver.
  • Parentheticals (Wrylies): These offer brief directions for how a line is delivered. Use sparingly.
    • SARAH(with a playful wink)Only the best for our regulars.
  • Transitions: These guide the flow between scenes. Common ones include:
    • FADE IN:
    • FADE OUT:
    • CUT TO:
    • DISSOLVE TO:

Shorthand Tricks for Speed and Clarity

  • O.S. (Off Screen): Indicates dialogue spoken by a character who’s not visible.
  • V.O. (Voice Over): Dialogue from a character’s thoughts or narration, not spoken aloud.
  • MONTAGE: A series of quick shots showing a passage of time or summarizing events.
  • CONTINUOUS: Action flowing seamlessly from one scene into the next.

Software: Your Formatting Friend

Screenwriting software (like Final Draft, Celtx, or Fade In) is a game-changer. It automatically handles formatting, so you can focus on your story. Most offer free trials, so you can find the one that suits your needs.

The Importance of Following the Rules

Industry professionals read hundreds of scripts. A clean, professional format makes their job easier and gives your story the best chance to shine. Plus, formatting helps you visualize how your scenes will play out on screen.

Let Your Story Shine!

Don’t let formatting concerns hold you back. With practice, these guidelines will become second nature. Embrace the creative challenge of screenwriting, and who knows? Your next script might be the next big hit.

The Intellect vs. the Instinctive Mind: A Battle for Supremacy part 1

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The human mind is a complex and fascinating entity, a battleground where two powerful forces constantly vie for control: the intellect and the instinctive mind. While both are essential for our survival and well-being, they often operate in conflicting ways, leading to internal struggles and difficult decisions. In this blog post, we will explore the nature of these two forces and their roles in shaping our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

The Intellect: The Rational Thinker

The intellect is the part of our mind responsible for logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It is the voice of reason, carefully weighing options, analyzing evidence, and drawing conclusions based on facts and logic. The intellect is our inner scientist, constantly seeking to understand the world around us and make sense of our experiences.

The intellect is essential for navigating the complexities of modern life. It enables us to plan for the future, make informed decisions, and pursue our goals with strategic precision. Without the intellect, we would be like rudderless ships, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and chaos.

The Instinctive Mind: The Emotional Reactor

The instinctive mind, also known as the intuitive or emotional mind, is the seat of our primal instincts, emotions, and gut feelings. It is the voice of our ancestors, whispering warnings, urging caution, and pushing us toward pleasure and away from pain. The instinctive mind is our inner animal, reacting to stimuli in the environment with lightning speed and unwavering determination.

The instinctive mind is essential for our survival. It enables us to respond quickly to threats, make snap judgments, and act on impulse when necessary. Without the instinctive mind, we would be like deer in headlights, frozen in fear and unable to act when danger strikes.

The Battle for Control

The intellect and the instinctive mind are not always in harmony. In fact, they often operate in conflicting ways, leading to internal struggles and difficult decisions. For example, the intellect may urge us to stay on a strict diet, while the instinctive mind craves sugary treats. The intellect may tell us to save money for retirement, while the instinctive mind wants to spend it on a new car.

The battle for control between the intellect and the instinctive mind is a constant one, with neither side ever achieving complete victory. The key to living a balanced and fulfilling life is to learn how to manage these two forces, allowing them to work together in harmony rather than against each other.

Finding the Balance

Finding the balance between the intellect and the instinctive mind is a lifelong journey, requiring self-awareness, discipline, and practice. Here are a few tips:

  • Cultivate self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and try to identify which force is driving them.
  • Learn to manage your emotions: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other relaxation techniques to help you calm down and think clearly when emotions run high.
  • Trust your intuition: While it’s important to listen to the intellect, don’t ignore your gut feelings. They may be trying to tell you something important.
  • Make conscious decisions: Instead of acting on impulse, take the time to weigh your options and consider the consequences of your choices.
  • Seek professional help if needed: If you’re struggling to manage your emotions or make decisions, don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor.

By learning to manage the intellect and the instinctive mind, we can tap into the full potential of both forces, using them to create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful.

PART 2 – so what does this mean for the actor or unprov comic….

  • GET TICKETS to Times Square Shows
  • ADULT CLASSES Times Square NYC
  • TEEN Classes Times Square NYC
  • KID Classes Times Square NYC
  • EMAIL for group sales and private events. We daily hosts corporate teams and student groups for shows and workshops. Our touring company tours schools, theaters and event DC To BOSTON and beyond.

Birthday Parties 4 Kids & Teens, Times Square NYC Improv Comedy

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Treat your child to much needed laughs and the most interactive immersive theatrical experience in Manhattan. Our two hour birthday parties include lunch, two large slices of NYC pizza pies, soft drinks and our signature interactive musical comedy show Improvised based on the guest’s suggestions and participation. Before and after show we let the kids share their favorite jokes, or, as a recent party unfolded, a Taylor Swift karaoke jam session.

2024 RATES

  • $350 up to ten guests at a public show Saturdays 2:15-4:15
  • $700 up to 20 guests, private show Sundays 2:15-4:15
  • $35/additional guest
  • larger groups, $1000 up to 40 guests, $25/additional guest
  • For all of the above, you get a 60-70 minute show, pizza and soft drink. Additional food and beverages a bailable ala carte.

Ask about special rates for non profit student groups from schools, camps and community centers. NYC DOE VENDORS

  • GET TICKETS to Times Square Shows
  • ADULT CLASSES Times Square NYC
  • TEEN Classes Times Square NYC
  • KID Classes Times Square NYC
  • EMAIL for group sales and private events. We daily hosts corporate teams and student groups for shows and workshops. Our touring company tours schools, theaters and event DC To BOSTON and beyond

10 TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL IMPROV SCENE

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  1. Our #1 Rule: HAVE FUN but never at another’s expense. Have fun as a team. Leave ego and insecurity at the door. Let go the fear failure and judgement. Fight the urge to think THIS IS HARD. Instead think, I’VE GOT THIS.
  2. Improv #1 Rule: YES! AND… First accept your scene partner’s choices. AND back up that support with words and actions. Beyond choices in a scene, another way to think of YES AND… is, it’s your job to make your scene partner look amazing. 
  3. #1 Skill in Comedy: LISTENING! Listening with your eyes. Listening with the willingness to change.  
  4. Make BIG SIMPLE Choice. Never worry about being funny, clever or impressive. Never worry about words. Make one simple choice at a time about who you are, where you are and what you are doing. Another term for this is LABELING.  
  5. WHO CHOICES: The most important elements in an improv scene is your relationship to the story and other characters. Name that relationship, always start with that to give each other a context. Label physical, mental and emotional traits about yourself and the other characters. How old are you? What’s your job? What are you wearing/carrying? How do you feel? Why are you here? 
  6. WHERE CHOICES: In the opening moments of a scene, label your location. WHERE ARE YOU? Then discover this location. How dark/light is it? Hot/Cold? Crowded/Sparse? Dry/Humid/Wet? Where chdices will inspire WHO choices as you react and live to the environment created.
  7. WHAT CHOICES? What are you doing? Make stuff happen. SHOW DON’T TELL! Do stuff. Establish a conflict or obstacle to overcome. How do over comedy this obstcle.
  8. OBJECT WORK / PANTOMIME: Actions speak louder than words. SHOW DON’T TELL! We don’t have props, costumes or sets, so physically touching our imaginary world with realistic movement makes our blank canvass of the stage come alive for our characters and our audience. When you pick up and object, imagine it for real, see it, feel it’s weight, shape and texture for real. Also, embody every WHO, WHERE, WHAT choice. Breathe in the emotions and physical pains/joys. Physically react to choices. 
  9. STYLE: What is the tone of the scene? Lack of style, is a style choice, you are performing a naturalistic modern scene that could occur in the real world. Other choices might be western, horror, sci-fi, period work (moments in history), melodramatic, farce, musical etc.
  10. STORY TELLING – Beginning, Middle End: In general,  Improv scenes start in the middle. We begun Estaishing a base reality with the choices made above. But our story, while new to us and the audience, did not start just now. These characters have histories, past conflicts, loves, losses etc. Get past the EXPOSITION and RISING ACTION of a scene quickly with our big bold WHO WHERE WHAT CHOICES and YES AND… moves. Then play the scene. Bring the story to life. Then seek ways to solve the problem. Find compromises. In many comedy scenes we never quite resolve. Our DENOUMENT is cut short. The abrupt end of scenes leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. But we move towards resolution as we try to solve our conflicts and obstacles.
  • GET TICKETS to Times Square Shows
  • ADULT CLASSES Times Square NYC
  • TEEN Classes Times Square NYC
  • KID Classes Times Square NYC
  • EMAIL for group sales and private events. We daily hosts corporate teams and student groups for shows and workshops. Our touring company tours schools, theaters and event DC To BOSTON and beyond.