In a long-form improvisational performance that is not a "mono-scene" there is a need to be able to communicate that one scene is ending and another is beginning. An "Edit" is that move communicating a change in scenes. At its core, a "successful" edit need only clearly communicate that transition, but beyond that there are […]
An Opening is the first piece of a long-form performance presented to the audience. Every show has one. Not every show uses one.
Objective: To responsibly and recklessly endow scene partners (with characteristics, information, activities, etc.) that s/he must accept.
Improvisation: Making it up as you go along. A group of players gets on stage without previously rehearsed lines or blocking and acts out. The audience understands that this show is constructed from nothing before their eyes. In these aspects, improvisational performance differentiates itself from any other performance medium. Improvisation then is at its best […]
THE SELF CONTAINED EMOTIONAL STATEMENT How do you start an improv scene? My answer was forged from the perspective of giants' shoulders. Mick Napier, of The Annoyance Theater, says we start with just one thing. - Assume a posture. - Grab an object. - Start a motion. - Engage your environment. - Embody a character. […]
YES, GOOD IMPROVISATION REQUIRES A GROUP. AND, WE AGREE. A great improvisational performance requires both a group and an audience. It’s the collaborative building that makes improvisation exciting. The ability to riff is dependent on having something to riff off of. The definition of riffing demands that there be an “accompaniment” or “exchange.” Sure, a […]
OFFER, SET, CEMENT: THAT'S GAME! Some definitions: Pattern - a sequence that can be repeated / a structure that can be reused Game – a sequence of actions, related by rules of cause-and-effect, that heightens with repetition A rocketship, A thumb and An aardvark. That's a fine pattern. A rocketship, A thumb and An aardvark. […]
TO THE ETHER Games I like Frisbee. I like hacky sack. I like hitting this one stick I wrapped in ribbons with these other two sticks I wrapped in different ribbons. I like the Grateful Dead. I like acoustic guitar around a beach bonfire. I like blowing into this diggerydoo I crafted in the company […]
HELP DESK Two players meet in the middle of the stage and focus on figuring out the scene together. I want to return this vacuum. What’s wrong with it? Or... I want to see a manager. Ma’am, he’s on a break. Or... I bought this and it won’t work. I’m going to need to see […]