ITI - Introduction to Improvisation Module Overview

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Introduction to Improvisation

Introduction

"Improv is, at its core, it’s the creation of a story in real time. And there’s no script. There is no planning. And it just emerges and is created, and the crazy thing about improv is the story disappears as soon as its over.  So the joy of improv is actually in the creation because once you’re done, the story’s over and its gone and it will never exist again."  -Betsy Burr

Improvisation is an unscripted performance where the actors create the story of the scene as they are performing it, live and in the moment.

You may be familiar with improvisation from television shows like “Whose Line is it Anyway” or you may have seen improv shows at companies like Dad’s Garage in Atlanta. 

Key Terms

    1. Audience: The people attending the theatrical event and watching the performer(s).
    2. Performer(s): The person or people presenting the theatrical event.
    3. Performance Space: The stage area and live audience seating where the theatrical event occurs.
    4. Plot: Events that occur over time, related to the conflict.
    5. Character(s): The agent(s) of the plot.
    6. C.R.O.W: The key establishing information necessary for a successful improvisational scene, Character, Relationship, Objective, Where.
    7. Yes and...: The act of confirming a scene partner's choice and building on it.
    8. Denial: Blocking a scene partner's contribution to the scene.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

  • Basics of Improvisation: Students will gain an understanding of the rules and structure of improvisational theatre, theatre games, professional applications, and team-based collaborations for the creation of live unscripted theatrical performances and theatre games. 
  • Introduction to Improv Guessing Games and Skill Games: Students will gain an understanding of the rules and structure of improvisational Guessing Games and Skill Games. Guessing Games are improv games in which players need to guess something, sometimes referred to as 'naive' games. Skill Games refer to improvisational games where the characters must follow a challenging parameter while also maintaining the basic rules of improv with a partner.
  • Introduction to Improv Scenes and Solo Performances: Students will gain an understanding of the rules and structure of improvisational Scenes or Solo Performances. This lesson will focus on the acronym C.R.O.W. for establishing the parameters of a scene as well as common structures and outlines for scene games and solo exercises.

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