March 2011
12 posts
Less scenes!
If our show consists of only one extended scene with no cutaways, edits, or other tricks and occurs more or less over real time, then we are performing a form known as the Monoscene. This form carries with it certain unique challenges, mostly involving the fact that the style of performance you would use in a quick 2-minute scene doesn’t work so well in a longer scene.
You don’t have...
More Scenes
A longform show’s length can vary anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on factors like the venue, the group performing, and who else is on the bill. However, an average show is going to be about a half-hour (at least in NYC). A strict Harold consists of 11 scenes (3 beats of 3 scenes, plus 2 group games), and likewise any half-hour show can comfortably fit that number. (All of...
Quartets, Quintets, and Tricenoctets
At least, that’s how I think you might refer to a group of 38. There’s a theorem that states that you need a minimum of four colors to color any map to ensure that no two colors ever touch. Similarly, any group of at least four improvisors can easily run through any form without any modifications to account for number. The rules that govern a group of four are the same that would...
Trios
Yesterday I mentioned how smaller iterations of groups require more modifications to make other forms still workable. These modifications occur because of the demands being made on the performer; less people means you will be on stage more. Usually these modifications occur on the number of characters a player will play. A player will have to be more characters not only over the course of the...
Duo Improv
Any format can be modified to accommodate a smaller-than-usual improv group size. Each new smaller iteration carries with it challenges for the performer, but these challenges can easily be overcome with a little bit of hard work.
However, you can also create a form specifically meant for a smaller group. Take two performers; have them improvise in any situation that only involves two people. A...
Solo Improv - Monologues
Another kind of solo show I have seen is one that consists entirely of monologues. The one that I have seen most often is a series of singular unconnected characters each delivering their monologue in turn. While this is entirely valid, I also feel it doesn’t fulfill one of the unique parts of improv: the tendency to see separate strands of thought intertwine and connect more and more...
Solo Improv - The Invisible Character
An important consideration in solo improv is that of the Invisible Character. If you are playing multi-character scenes, then the other character is still there, in action, in motion, even when you are not playing it. It is helpful to still think of the other character as alive and still react to it. Simple things, like tracking with your eyes, or being physically moved by them, adds to the...
Solo Improv 2 - Multiple Characters
The technique that I prefer using in Solo Improv is to play multi-character scenes (though usually limited to two or three characters). I take the physical place of one character, speak their line, and then move to the other character’s location and respond.
The important thing, I feel, is avoiding any sense of preplanning lines. It is very tempting to think up the next 5 lines or so and...
Solo Improv
Solo improv is, as I’ve discovered, the most challenging kind of improv. I’ve been workshopping solo improv for a long time, and in the past year I’ve gotten serious about performing it regularly. I’ve learned a few things.
1) Be clear. If you are a different character, make sure that is readily apparent. Change your body, change your voice, do something to show that it is...
Watch
The Broken Record: Can female improvisers say "no"... →
chelc:
I dunno. I sorta disagree. If you are playing an obviously male character and someone in the scene calls you Janice, then they aren’t really supporting your “I’m playing a guy” moves and should they be noted on not agreeing with what DID and what you MEANT. You shouldn’t have to expressly say “I am a man”, they know what you are doing, or they should if they are paying attention.
Though,...
Removing Character
As I said before, by virtue of being on stage you are a character. Even if you are performing actions the way you would, saying things you would say, you are still in a fictional situation and are therefore a character. Acting like ourselves is usually just a default position for improvisors. However, acting like yourself can be an opportunity to truly attack Truth in Comedy by being completely in...
