Introduction to Improv Scenes and Solo Performances

The effect of live dynamic audience interaction with all forms of theatrical performance is made clear through the exploration of improvisation. Understanding the objectives and tactics inherent in daily communication with others, as well as problem-solving and positive teamwork are focal points of Improvisational Theatre. In this section, you will gain an understanding of the rules and structure of scene-based improvisational theatre.

Establishing the Basics (C.R.O.W)

All effective stories are about conflict. More specifically, how a character deals with the conflict. The plot is the result of actions taken by the character in attempting to achieve a specific goal. All improv scenes should have four basic components. These components can be easily remembered with the acronym C.R.O.W. C.R.O.W. stands for Character, Relationship, Objective, and Where (environment).

Within the first three or four lines of a scene, the character, or characters, should establish each of these ideas. This will allow the audience to know the parameters of the story prior to diving into the details. An audience will be willing to suspend disbelief and go virtually anywhere a performer wants to take them as long as the parameters are established early on. If they are not, the audience begins to doubt the performer and may not go along with the story.

Scene Games

The following are scene games that inherently require characters to engage in a specific conflict. For each of these games, the participant should strive to establish C.R.O.W. as the game begins. This should be done seamlessly in the dialogue rather than breaking the fourth wall and simply telling the audience.

SOLO Character Scenes

Solo improvisation is a more advanced version of the improvisation games we have played so far. All of the rules of improv remain the same, but now there is no help from an additional character. Solo games often directly address the audience. In these games and scenes, the audience becomes the other character. In order for the improvisation to remain theatre, the performance still needs to occur before a live audience, but one could practice these games in isolation.

These are improv games and exercises you can do all by yourself. Most items in this category are exercises, but some stuff can be used for performance as well.

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