Do Now What is improvisation? List the rules of improvisation. TMATTY... Improv Objective: to develop introductory improvisation skills to help with focus and concentration
Improvisation Chapter 4
Yes, and... Improvisation - acting without a script requires trust and collaboration (share, believe, and create together) Ensemble - fellow actors working together Important elements: plot & character say yes, and embrace situation/comment & make into character/scene Increases creativity, mental/emotional flexibility, trust, & concentration Use wits to face problems
Basic Rules of Improv... Tina Fey s Rules of Improvisation Remain open to what is given to you Listen carefully and respond Show how you feel Take chances; Don t be afraid to fail Trust yourself and your partner NO matter what, remain in the scene
Preparing an Improv... TRUST & BELIEVE Develop a character from gesture, expression, a voice, piece of clothing Develop new plot by changing use of an object Open dialogue through repetition of cliche, line from poem After developing a scene - set it keep what was effective Continue to improvise
Props! Create a scene using a random object. Continue speaking without hesitation. Journal Entry #5 The next time you are out in public, sit for a moment and listen to the activity around you. Then jot down interesting fragments of conversation you overhear. How might you be able to incorporate your findings in your improvisation scene? Be prepared to share with the class.
Improv Games
Freeze & Go Two actors start scene by exaggerating gestures and physical actions with dialogue An outside participant can shout "freeze," at which point all action and dialogue ceases (bodies frozen in place) and the person can then go and tag whichever player he wishes to replace. Take pose/line & pick up where left off. Change direction of scene. For instance, say a player says something like, "take two and call me in the morning," while extending two pairs of pinched finger tips (as if to hold two pills); a scene stealer might come in, taking the place of the patient, and resume by saying, "But Doc, what am I going to do with an extra set of nipples?"
What s My Line? Write down 5-10 popular lyrics, quotes, sayings, expressions, or mottos on strips of paper and place in bucket. Two actors take the stage and takes three slips of paper and place in pockets without looking at them. The class will give them a scene building topic and during the improvisation the actors must incorporate their line into the conversation. They will continue this until all the lines are used. The lines will not make sense so the actor must find a way to incorporate the line. The best way to do this is referring to it as a quote someone said, something you overheard, or advice.
Telling Pictures Allow a single moment in a picture or image to inspire characterization. Look at the picture and write everything you can about it in 2 minutes. First: perform a monologue about this person, or personified object. Second: Students will take 10-15 minutes to create a scene with their characters interacting. Remember to have beginning, climax, and resolution. Third: All characters are at a party interacting. Create a storyline through dialogue
Lip Dubs Two or more actors play a scene, but they don t speak, although they can move their mouths as if they are speaking. Two more players sit in front of the action, and provide the speech. Part II: Dubbing for tv shows/movies
The Dating Game This game is fun as it involves a bit of mystery: the assorted "bachelor's" are comprised of any given identity in a hat, as self-invented or supplied by the audience. The Bachelorette will ask questions that showcases each bachelor s qualities. After two/three rounds, the chooser must identify after each has been given a moderate amount of time to express themselves.