Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
In improv, doing scenes while speaking Gibberish is great for encouraging more physicality and emotional expression. Try it in your next rehearsal.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
In improv, your body is your costume.
Try entering scenes with a deliberately chosen physicality. Lead with a body part, or carry a space object. Or express an emotion physically.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Happy New Year! Try this improv-related resolution:
Get a notebook and begin logging your shows, observations, and thoughts about improv. Look for patterns that reveal your strengths & loves as a performer + your weaknesses.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
"Rooting" is doing an improvised activity while staying firmly in one spot on stage.
Try thinking about the environment beyond your immediate reach. Is there something across the room you need? Something out the window that catches your eye?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Improvisers! Starting in "elevens" leads to standing-and-talking scenes.
Try instead:
» Start from an upstage/downstage corner.
» Enter/exit through the audience. (Or play FROM the audience!)
Make all your scene starts a deliberate choice.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Improv students! To improve your object work, try practicing an improvised activity with various emotions, e.g. sipping a drink anxiously.
Remember object work can convey emotions without dialogue. This also helps you discover more detail.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Try an improv scene with "levels!" This is like a split-screen view where players look toward where the other would be instead of directly at them. Above = look down, below = look up. Try to match body and head angles.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Next improv show, try vocalizing sound effects.
Examples: knock on doors, turn on a faucet, animals in the forest. Use as momentary additions or make a full game out of it.
Sound adds extra detail, making scenes more engaging and fun!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Before your next improv show, take 10 minutes for your group to warm up, stretch, and (especially) breathe.
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Try speaking in Gibberish in an improv scene. Great for encouraging physicality and emotional expression!
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Are you REALLY listening to your improv partners?
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.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Do you prefer long-form improv over short-form, or vice versa?
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Next improv scene, try some FUN object work instead of the usual mundane, household activities. What's an outrageous improv idea you want to bring to life?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Do you keep a list of improv ideas to try? Anytime you think of something cool for a scene, add it to your list. Then pick one for your next show.
One idea at a time - don't weigh yourself down by doing too much!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Tux cat with his head in a box with a narrow opening
Tux cat inside a narrow box while a black kitten looks on
Mimb new box Iz fitz. #cats #catsofbluesky #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Improvisers: Try the "outside-in" approach to characters! Instead of thinking about motivations & behaviour, just enter the scene with any random physicality. You can then figure out who you are from the reactions you get.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Seek out new & different improv experiences! Stretching your comfort zone expands your learning.
Take a class at a different theatre. Watch shows/performers you've never seen before. Visit improv festivals and do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Try this for your next improv scene...
Do the first minute without dialogue. Establish location & focus on helping your partner. Then begin talking, IF appropriate. Don't lose that energy just because you're now speaking!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
Try this improv move: react physically when a character does something provocative. Let it push you to a different part of the stage before speaking the next line. Feel a different energy, maybe discover a unique response.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Taking time off this July/August? Why not try an improv book to support your learning?
Plenty of reviews and recommendations on my website.
vist.ly/3n94fbk
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday #improvbooks
Improv Illusionist - Try This flag
For your next improv scene, try a beach location!
Elements you can explore: the instability of walking on sand, the hot sun, the surf, sounds, smells, and lots of activities. The beach has its own unique characters, too.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
