Improvisation

Improvisation Drama is the link between thought and expression. Improvisation depends upon words and action rather than upon words alone.

Improvisation Improvisation is the foundation of interpretation just as pantomime is the foundation of acting. Demands physical and mental control, adaptability, acceptance of and positive response to criticism, directability and cooperation with others.

Illusion of the First Time Should have a never know what is going to happen freshness. The most important factor in the execution of lines or action—timing. What is happening now—the keynote to improvisation.

Reminders for a Successful Improvisation Speak loudly enough to be heard. Do not hide. Move freely. Take time to speak and move. Stay in character at all time.

The Motivated Sequence Experience the stimulus. Respond instinctively to stimulus. Idea connects. Brain registers the stimulus (fraction of a second). Stimulus causes a reflex action. Eyes look, body reacts, chest moves in direction of stimulus. React vocally and/or physically.

Establishing Character Questions to ask about your character Who am I? What kind of person am I? How am I different from the other characters? What are the fewest things I can do to convey the most information about my character? What does my character want?

Do’s and Don’t’s of Partner and Group Improvisations Quickly establish your character Identify the problem and goal Keep focused on achieving goal Let situation provide basis for how character attempts to reach goal React spontaneously See things through eyes of character Listen to and observe others Take cues from partner Play your scene moment to moment Say and do things that demand a definite response Deny anything your scene partners say about you or the situation. Don’t ask questions. Don’t use simple statements of information. Don’t explain situations and feelings.

Show us, don’t tell us! Show us what you are doing, feeling, etc. Show us where you are. Don’t tell us where you are or what you are doing.