A simple explanation of long form improvisation.
Long form improvisation is done with two or more people, who create a scene of varying length on the fly. When it’s done perfectly, it’s clear to the audience that each player is creating their lines and actions in direct response to what their scene partners last said. Each line builds upon and honors everything that has already been said.
The magic of improv, is when it’s completely clear to the audience why something was said. The audience sees the connections between lines of dialogue and actions, and they see how it fits within the pre-established context. This is what is most astonishing to an audience–when it’s obvious that you’re making it up. Trained improvisers create worlds that are so detailed, rich and interesting that the audience can’t believe it’s being made up right in front of them.
The one skill an improviser must have, is to be able to work off of inspiration. Any idiot off the street can get on stage, think that they’re funny and rant and riff off of themselves. There’s no skill in that. It’s also frequently boring and pointless. What’s difficult, is to take whatever you’re given by the audience and your scene partner and to create something right then. Right in that moment.
Long form improvisers create understandable, compelling and often humorous scenes with detailed worlds and characters right in front of their audience’s eyes.
Add comment February 15th, 2012
