- Practical Applications: See how improv skills can enhance your life beyond the stage, from boosting confidence and communication to navigating unexpected situations with grace and humor.
- The Fundamentals of Improv: Learn the core principles and techniques that make improv work, from “Yes, And…” to active listening and building strong scene work.
- 20 Years of Improv Wisdom: Benefit from the author’s hard-won insights, tips, and tricks for overcoming stage fright, staying focused, and creating memorable moments.
- Dozens of Improv Games: Explore a wide variety of games suitable for all ages and experience levels, including detailed instructions and variations to keep the fun going.
Chapter 5: Starting an Improv Scene
Think back to every language arts class, every analysis of a book, short story, or play. Every story is comprised of a few basic elements: exposition, rising action, climax, and denouement (falling action).
Every story starts with characters and setting. In improv, we identify these as WHO and WHERE.
Improvisers as Writers
In improv, while performing, we are also writers. We need to create characters and a world for them to live. We do this by making simple choices about WHO we are and WHERE we are.
As actors, we need to create characters, but as a team of improvisers, the relationships are key. HOW do we know each other?
Similarly, we need to establish where we are. Are we in a bustling city street? A cozy living room? A spaceship hurtling through the cosmos?
Together, we establish a working premise to build a scene. This premise is the foundation upon which we’ll construct our story.
10 Simple Statements to Initiate a Relationship and Location
- “Mom, I’m home! And I brought a friend…”
- “Welcome to the annual company picnic, Mr. CEO!”
- “Hey, partner, saddle up. It’s time to ride.”
- “Dr. Smith, the patient in room 3 is acting strangely…”
- “Professor, I think I’ve discovered something incredible in the lab!”
- “This cruise ship is amazing! I can’t believe we’re finally on vacation, dear!”
- “I can’t believe I’m stuck in this elevator with my least favorite person in the world!”
- “Hey neighbor, can I borrow a cup of sugar?”
- “This is the last time I’m babysitting for you guys!”
- “Permission to come aboard, Captain?”
Keep It Simple!
Remember, don’t try to be funny. Don’t try to be clever. Don’t try to impress. Don’t try to be great. Don’t think.
Just be.
The beauty of improv is that it’s all about discovery. The more we try to control the scene, the less fun it becomes. So relax, trust your instincts, and let the story unfold organically.
The Goal: Individual and Team Focus
Too often, we start a scene floundering. Don’t worry about being right, because there are no wrongs in improv. In fact, before getting on stage, start making choices. Make simple choices about who you are, where you are, or how you feel. Enter the scene and make a simple statement akin to the list above.
Your scene partner might beat you to it. In this case, you may need to adjust your initial choice or abandon it altogether and quickly pivot to properly “Yes, And…” their offer. No problem! But having that initial choice will give you focus.
Over time, you’ll get better at being totally blank and open as you start the scene, completely trusting the words to be there. This takes time and practice.
After a simple scene starter and a few “Yes, And…” moves, you’ll be ready for an entire improvised play!
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