Improvisation What is improvisation To act without a

Improvisation

What is improvisation? To act without a script n Ad-libbing n Create the dialog and action as you go along n

Three uses for improvisation It is used by the director during rehearsals to help actors to understand their characters better n Improvisational comedy n It is used as a technique to learn acting n

Important terms n CROW -Character -Relationship -Objective -Where

Why improvise? n Improvisation helps performers in many ways. It develops one’s confidence and assertiveness. It also builds public speaking, problem-solving and creativity skills.

The elements of a successful improvisation 1. The element of recognition n 2. The element of surprise n 3. The element of playfulness/imagination n 4. Specific and motivated characters n 5. Setting that is interactive n

continued… 6. Conflict and action generated from the point of concentration/objective n 7. Always say “YES!” n 8. Avoid asking questions n 9. Actions speak LOUDER than words n 10. Be generous and support your partner! n

Viola Spolin n n Modern improvisation involves interaction from the audience Grandmother of the improvisation in America Viola developed theatre games. Each game was created upon a specific focus or technical problem. Wrote the book Improvisation for the Theater, which consists of approximately 235 games

Paul Sills n n n Son of Viola Spolin Co-founded the Compass and The Second City Used Spolin’s games to help his actors to improve their creativity and spontaneity

The Second City n n n Improvisational theatre Opened in Chicago on December 16, 1959 Paul Sills was a founder of the Second City

Del Close n n n He was a director, performer, and teacher at Second City Harold- improvisational game created by Del Close – series of connected scenes based on one audience suggestion Harold is about 20 -45 minutes (long form)

Keith Johnstone n n Born in England Wrote the book Impro, which consists of theories of creativity, character development, and the teaching of improvisation

Dudley Riggs n n He renamed “improvisation” as “Instant Theatre” because jazz players used the term “improvisation” at that time His style of improvisation consists of a suggestion from the audience and improvise a scene right away Brave New Workshop opened in 1958 and it is the longest running satirical theatre Dudley opened a second theatre called the Experimental Theatre Company in Minneapolis