1. Improvisation

2. Improvisation Elements of Successful Improvisation
2. General Rule of Improvisation (Do’s and Don’ts)
3. Forms of Improvisation

3. The Elements of Successful Improvisation
A good improvisation is a form of drama. The fact that the scene is being “written” as it is performed doesn’t alter the requirements of drama. There are certain elements which are essential for an successful scene, including improvisational scenes.

4. The Elements of Successful Improvisation
Characters
Specific “people” with recognizable characteristics
Motivated/doing for a reason
2. Relationship
A relationship must exist between the characters in stage
There must be a relationship between the players and their environment

5. The Elements of Successful Improvisation
3. Setting/Environment
Location affects your actions and style
Interact with setting (props, furniture, etc.)
4. The Event (conflict and action)
Crucial to every scene – the situation that makes this day different from all the rest
Something must be happening

6. The Elements of Successful Improvisation
5. Dialogue and Humor
Allow characterization/conflict to motivate the dialogue
Don’t play to the punch line – sometimes being smart is better than being funny
Don’t force laughs – be natural

7. A Few General Rules: The Do’s and Don’ts of Improv
Know the structure thoroughly
Rules
Rehearse
Make connections – audiences like “smart” performers
Don’t show off
It’s a team effort – don’t upstage
The best way for an improviser to look good is by making her/his fellow players look good
Respect choices made by others

8. A Few General Rules: The Do’s and Don’ts of Improv
3. Know your partners
Sense where they are going and go with it
Help out when others are stuck
4. Listen to other people on stage
Yes and… accept and build
Be a team player
Respect the choices made by others

9. A Few General Rules: The Do’s and Don’ts of Improv
5. Don’t let the scene run too long
Get out while you are ahead
6. Don’t deny
There are no bad choices. There are no mistakes.
Make assumptions don’t ask questions
Accept your partners’ offers

10. A Few General Rules: The Do’s and Don’ts of Improv
7. Have fun and don’t worry!
Commit to the scene and your character 100%
Stay in the moment
Take the scene seriously
Keep it simple – less is more
Show, Don’t tell
Start in the middle
Keep an open mind

11. Forms of Improv
Short Form: Includes performance worthy games, or short artistic forms (scenes).
Long Form: A style of improvisation that takes a suggestion from the audience and weaves it into a stream of consciousness performance. Truth is, there are many different formats for long form. Some formats are like mini-plays. Other formats are like a series of consecutive short scenes or games.