Improv Acting Techniques

If you enjoy comedy and watching people turn everyday situations and objects into gut-wrenching laughter, then you would love improv acting. Some people simply enjoy sitting back watching while other people seem to have a natural ability to be witty and make people laugh. Remember, this type of comedy is an art form as well as a craft. Even if you do not have a natural funny bone, you can learn how to perform improv through repetition, practice, trial, and lots of hard work.

Over time, you can develop improv skills, becoming better and better. With improv acting techniques, you learn how to make every scene great. The exciting thing about getting involved with improv is that unlike other forms of acting and comedy, you can break all the rules and still be very successful. In this article, we will go over the general rules that apply to improv so you can see why keeping them and breaking them works.

First, improv can be performed solo or as a group of other players. When in the group role, it is crucial that all players agree to the basic skit and setup. Now, the act itself may be rehearsed somewhat prior to the show but many times, this is where the rules can be broken in that one person may feel something else would work best for the scene, completing throwing the other players off and creating laughter and the unexpected.

The next rule is that new information must be added to a scene for it to advance. Therefore, players must be able to add in reaction, emotion, and personality, which is the element that adds spice to the skit. You will also learn that with improv, you cannot deny or block. In other words, when new information is added to a scene, then you learn to feed off it rather than stifle it. The player with improv must learn to maintain control but go with the flow, creating fun, excitement, and laughter off each action taken.

In addition, improv scenes need to include questions. Again, this creates yet another way in which the players feed off each other. You will be adding information to the skit, creating communication back and forth - thus feeding off each other's words and actions. You will also learn techniques on how to focus on the 'here and now". For example, if you have a particular scene involving people, then it might include struggles, change, wins, and losses. With the, the character comes to life. You learn to work with the players throughout the scene on the here and now.

The scene also has to have a location. In this case, you will see some improv skits on a completely empty stage, which allows the audience to create their own vision of the location. However, improv will also include all types of locations such as homes, businesses, restaurants, train stations, airports, etc. Another rule is to be specific, providing detail.

Each scene must relay a story to the audience. Therefore, the players have to provide beat objectives. You also need to go through character changes. You will learn through techniques how to take the audience through an exciting and laughable journey. In other words, with improv, you commit and take choices to the furthest they can go while still focusing on objects and actions.