The Ancient Roman Gladiators can help you add more physicality to your improv!
Find out how in my latest "big idea" article. Link below. 🔗
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Experiment with these in your next improv scene:
1) Proximity (how close/far away the players are)
2) Space (how much of the stage/theatre you use)
3) Levels (lie down/sit/stand/stand on furniture)
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Sound effects add detail and fun to your improv scenes.
Try vocalizing sounds to go along with your object work. These can be in-the-moment additions, or make a full game out of it. Practice helps you get better and deal with discomfort.
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My next newsletter "Improvise Like a Gladiator!" is coming tomorrow. Subscribe to get it and stay in the loop on physical improv.
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Promote safe play in improv!
All performers should read your local theatre's codes of conduct and agree to abide by them. (And the theatres should have codes of conduct in the first place!)
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The quickest way to get better at any skill is through DELIBERATE PRACTICE.
So, how do you do this to get better at improv?
Try this suggestion:
vist.ly/4wnhg
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Try this warm up before your next improv show. On top of playing your usual games, take 10 minutes for your group to limber up, stretch, and (especially) breathe together.
A physical warm up can really bring a group together.
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Improv safety tip: When performing, adrenaline can mask all kinds of injuries: pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Check yourself out after a show and start treating them BEFORE you feel it the next day.
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In improv, doing scenes while speaking Gibberish is great for encouraging more physicality and emotional expression. Try it in your next rehearsal.
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Want a fantastic improv exercise for training purposeful movement?
Read about it at the link below. 🔗
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Improv tip: Starting a scene alone on stage doesn't mean you're just waiting around for a partner.
It's YOUR scene! Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. The scene will have solid ground when (if?) a partner joins.
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Improv can be incredibly fun and rewarding... until it isn't.
If you need support, or want to learn about creating more open & supportive theatre environments, these Emotional Safety resources are a place to start.
vist.ly/4tfj7
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Are you REALLY listening to your improv scene partner?
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
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Improv tip: Simplify your object work and environments.
Use "obvious" movements for your objects and activities.
You don't have to paint the whole picture at once. Focus on one thing at a time—the audience fills in the details themselves.
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You can't learn improv from an email newsletter.
But you CAN get tips, ideas, and articles to help you add more physicality to your performance - however you improvise.
Get started here:
vist.ly/4sj2r
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Try mixing up your improv performance style. Usually do short-form? Try a longer piece or a Montage. Never do musical work? Throw a spontaneous song into your set.
Changing up can feel awkward, but it makes you a MUCH more adaptable player.
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Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility.
All improv theatres, companies, and groups—however informal—need a code of conduct.
All improvisers need to know and agree to abide by their local code of conduct.
Not exciting, but necessary.
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I challenged myself to compile a shortlist of the best tips for physical improv.
Check it out at the link below. 🔗 How did I do?
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Often, when asking improvisers to do an activity in a scene, they reflexively choose mundane household chores.
Next time, try some FUN object work. What's something you love to do, or an outrageous idea you want to bring to life?
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Improv tip: Sometimes you won't be the focus of a scene. Other characters may be talking, leaving you in the background. Keep "alive" with some small activity work appropriate to the location. BUT be careful not to distract from the main focus!
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Another reason to carry an improv notebook...
Keep a list of improv premises & characters. They pop up all the time in shows & rehearsals. Anytime you think of one, add it to your list. Then pick one to try for your next show.
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Improv tip: Do you often walk through the space occupied by improvised furniture, or have trouble remembering where you put objects?
Try putting small tape marks on your stage and placing objects relative to those.
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For improv characters, instead of thinking about motivations & behaviour ("inside-out"), try "outside-in."
Enter the scene with any random physicality. THEN figure out who you are from the reactions.
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Injuries in improv are NOT "just part of the gig." They're preventable.
Safety should always be your first concern. Before every show, check your stage for loose flooring, debris, water, etc. Also check furniture for loose screws or wobbling.
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👉Read my full article on Finding More Play here:
improvillusionist.com/finding-more-play-may-20...
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From my newsletter archives: Tips and exercises for finding more play (and fun) in your improv, including warm-ups, exercises, and "back-pocket games."
🔗Read the full article at link in comments. 👇
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Improvisers: Want to be more physical?
Practice without dialogue. Establish relationship through location & activity. Then begin talking, IF appropriate, BUT don't lose that energy!
The more you work on it, the better you'll get.
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Improv tip: Visualizing your environment isn't necessary, and for many people it sucks up brain power you could better use to manage your scene.
Place objects on the stage only when you need them, with the most obvious details.
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Improvisers! Start this new year off right by clarifying your personal theory of improv. It'll ground your performance and guide your skill-building.
More about this at the link below. 🔗
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Improvisers tend to stand & talk, even when saying provocative things.
Try reacting to dialogue physically! Use the energy to push or pull you to a different part of the stage. Show everyone how you're feeling rather than telling them.
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