Improvisation
Introducing The Art of Improv
Lesson 1
WHAT IS IMPROVISATION?
Improvisation
The practice of acting, play and reacting to making and creating, in
the moment and in response to the situation of one's immediate
environment and inner feelings.
The most basic ground rule is that there is no right or wrong. Improv is about
going with your impulses and creating something from them, on the spot.
While there are some rules we will cover in this lesson that can make improv
easier, there is no right or wrong. Repeat these questions and answers yourself
when if you are ever feeling unsure:
- How do I do it?
- Just do it.
- Am I doing it right?
- Yes
Introduction to Drama
Improv in Action
Scenes From a Hat Props Film & Theatre Styles
Introduction to Drama
Key Words
• 'The Space': A marked out area in your classroom which will assist you in containing drama activities.
• Freeze: Basically means STOP! And stay completely still in your current position/expression.
• Accepting the Offer: Progressing the improvisation by accepting ideas and not turning them down.
• Blocking the Offer: Not accepting the ideas in a scene, this will negatively affect the improvisation and should be
avoided
• Focus: A performance term meaning the performer is dedicated to one task and is putting all their energy into completing
this task to the best of their ability.
• Fill in the Gaps: Make sure that as you walk in the space, you do not clump together and use the whole space.
• Weaving: Stepping through spaces between people.
• Spatial Awareness: An awareness of the entire room, and how the space is being filled by the bodies within it.
• Physical Awareness: An awareness of your own body, and a level of control over what it is doing at every moment.
Introduction to Drama
Improv Guidelines
I will:
say “yes” to offers and take cues from my other actors
try not to block, ignore or deny my other actors
try not to go for cheap laughs or gags
be spontaneous and active
“do” rather than ask questions
listen
be enthusiastic and focused at all times
change the direction of the scene if it seems to be going nowhere.
Introduction to Drama
Audience Rules
Audience etiquette
Looks like …
people watching attentively
sitting focused looking towards
performers
may see people laughing
people working together.
Sounds like … Feels like …
praise and encouragement with everyone is valued
clapping at end of performance
worthwhile contributions by all
positive, respectful comments students
about performances
motivated, engaged, interested
laughter and enjoyment of audience
performance.
performers trying their best
warm, fun and supportive
atmosphere.
Introduction to Drama
FOCUSED WALKING
Questions & Homework
Journal entry
Weekly entry required, include what you learnt this week, what you enjoyed, what you didn’t enjoy, what you would like to learn more about
and anything else relevant to your experience in this class.
Introduction to Drama
IMPROVISATION
PART II
Improvisation
The practice of acting, play and reacting to making and creating, in
the moment and in response to the situation of one's immediate
environment and inner feelings.
The most basic ground rule is that there is no right or wrong. Improv is about
going with your impulses and creating something from them, on the spot.
Introduction to Drama
Introduction to Drama
FOCUSED WALKING
OBJECT TRANSFORMATION
Introduction to Drama
GIFTS
Introduction to Drama
YES, AND
WHAT ARE YOU DOING
The End
Thank You
