Spontaneous Exploration in Improvisation
Improvisation
Improvisation
Improvisation is the SPONTANEOUS
exploration of who, where, and what.
It is performed without scripts or major
amounts of rehearsal.
Who? An improvisation can be character-
centered. The who can provide the most
important imaginative component. Who might
be an OLD LADY, COP, NURSE, PREACHER
etc.
Where? An improvisation can be location-
centered. The where can be the basis for much
of the comedy or drama of the scene. Where
could be in the ZOO, ELEVATOR, BEACH,
FUNERAL PARLOR, etc.
What? An improvisation can be situation-
centered. The what can be an event that
provides the imaginative content that
drives the direction of the improvisation.
What might be a WEDDING, ROBBERY,
FUNERAL, GAME SHOW, etc.
An improv based on these examples could
end up being the “wedding of an old lady
and a cop in an elevator.”
Improvisations will be too short or die out
quickly unless there is CONFLICT
involved.
If there is a situation where one of the
characters wants something and the other
will not let him or her have it (objective
and obstacle), then these characters are in
conflict and the conversation can become
quite heated and animated.
Improvisation
You need a dramatic situation, dialogue, and
characterization in a good improv.
Dramatic situation – one in which the characters
are facing a situation that forces them to act.
YOU MUST HAVE THIS IN AN
IMPROVISATION!
Characterization – the portrayal of the physical,
intellectual, and emotional traits of each
character.
Objective – what your character WANTS
How to act during an improvisation
Do accept every offer.
Do accept what is said as fact.
Do stay in the world you create.
Do keep focused on your objective.
Do listen, observe, and respond as the
character you’ve created.
Don’t dead-end the improv with the word,
“No.”
Don’t reject offers.
Focus only on the other actor, NOT THE
AUDIENCE!
Don’t spend time explaining: THEATRE IS
ACTION!
Improvisation is the spontaneous exploration of characters, locations, and events without scripts or extensive rehearsals. It thrives on conflict, dramatic situations, characterization, and objectives, providing a platform for engaging and animated performances. To excel in improvisation, it is crucial to accept offers, stay immersed in the created world, focus on objectives, and avoid dead-ending scenes. Theatre is action-oriented, emphasizing on accepting facts, listening, observing, and responding authentically to enhance the collaborative storytelling experience.
Uploaded on Feb 24, 2025 | 0 Views
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Presentation Transcript
Improvisation Improvisation is the SPONTANEOUS exploration of who, where, and what. It is performed without scripts or major amounts of rehearsal.
Who? An improvisation can be character- centered. The who can provide the most important imaginative component. Who might be an OLD LADY, COP, NURSE, PREACHER etc. Where? An improvisation can be location- centered. The where can be the basis for much of the comedy or drama of the scene. Where could be in the ZOO, ELEVATOR, BEACH, FUNERAL PARLOR, etc.
What? An improvisation can be situation- centered. The what can be an event that provides the imaginative content that drives the direction of the improvisation. What might be a WEDDING, ROBBERY, FUNERAL, GAME SHOW, etc. An improv based on these examples could end up being the wedding of an old lady and a cop in an elevator.
Improvisations will be too short or die out quickly unless there is CONFLICT involved. If there is a situation where one of the characters wants something and the other will not let him or her have it (objective and obstacle), then these characters are in conflict and the conversation can become quite heated and animated.
Improvisation You need a dramatic situation, dialogue, and characterization in a good improv. Dramatic situation one in which the characters are facing a situation that forces them to act. YOU MUST HAVE THIS IN AN IMPROVISATION! Characterization the portrayal of the physical, intellectual, and emotional traits of each character. Objective what your character WANTS
How to act during an improvisation Do accept every offer. Do accept what is said as fact. Do stay in the world you create. Do keep focused on your objective. Do listen, observe, and respond as the character you ve created. Don t dead-end the improv with the word, No. Don t reject offers.
Focus only on the other actor, NOT THE AUDIENCE! Don t spend time explaining: THEATRE IS ACTION!
