What's the key to performing a good improv?

Question

What if you're just thrown up on the stage and told to perform? How do you relax and be spontaneous? What's the trick?

Answer 1

There are a number of simple steps to take, they seem very simple but when the nerves and adrenaline are pumping it is a lot more difficult.
Firstly - RELAX and BREATHE. Breathing in from your nose and our from your mouth is very useful, it filters all the air properly through your body. And Relax by just being yourself and connected within your body.
Secondly - Just take in the space and the size, so that when you begin the improvisation your voice will compensate for the space and you will be heard easily. Also observe where your audience is, so that you never have your back to them, and you let them into your acting all the time.
Thirdly - When you begin the improvisation let your creativity drive you. Base the scene on absolutely anything that comes into your head and run with it, it could be the best or worst idea you have thought of, but just be committed and enthusiastic with that idea.
Forthly - In Improvisation never say 'No' to your scene partner. This closes down the improv immediately, and you have nowhere to go. If you say 'Yes' you have miles of ground to cover and could be there for hours without it actually being painful and horrible but quite an enjoyable experience.
Fifth - LISTEN - Always listen to your scene partner. This is the most important skill, but not only to your partner, but also yourself. Listen internally and this will help you relax as well. If you listen wonderful creative juices will also flow and you will connect exactly with what you and you scene partner are doing in the scene.

I hope this helps. Good Luck and Have lots of fun. I am sure you will!

Answer 2

intelligence, creativity, spontaneity, and relaxation--correct. why not shoot for being relaxed under all circumstances?---meditation and "energy work". helped for the samurai, why not for the warrior of the footlights? i was center stage almost daily teaching at the "professional school" level for many years. being "wrong" or "off" were not options. these practices helped alot. check out http:// www.sahajayoga.com for help with energy and meditation; and the book: *the complete idiot's guide to toltec wisdom*, along the same lines. good luck! :-)

Answer 3

Listen! Take in everything your scene partner says, and respond as naturally as you're able. The cardinal rule of improvisational acting: Always Say "YES"...in other words, anything that your scene partner puts into the scene is instantly your REALITY. Don't negate them, or try to re-shape what they've offered. Take it, and move it forward.

It sounds daunting, but it can really be quite liberating...and a lot of fun!

Answer 4

I found that the best improvs and most spontaneous come because you have put your focus, attention and energy outside of yourself -- onto the audience, the fellow performer, the improv itself. Get out of your head!!! and enjoy and play and have fun.

Answer 5

Confidence in your skills is key. You also should be well read, so that you can naturally be funny and understand any situation that comes up.

You should try to expose yourself to as much improv as much as you can. So you can get use to the randomness.

Answer 6

Don't think TOO much. The best stuff comes when you least expect it. But at t he same time, be on your toes. Keep your head in the game all the time. It's finding the balance and that tends to come with practice.

Answer 7

dont over think anything and just go with the flow....think of what some of the best improvs you've seen were about and how the performers acted and talked..dont try to be funny just be yourself

Answer 8

have you ever seen "Scenes from a Hat" on the cable comedy coach "what's My Line" with Drew Carey? They positioned techniques contained in the hat and somebody pulls them out one by one and calls them out to the actors. each and every physique can write one or 2 techniques and positioned them in there.

Answer 9

Saying "Yes, and..."
Meaning accepting whatever is thrown at you and building upon it. Don't think too hard, just go with your instincts. Don't worry about being funny. If you try to be funny, you won't be. Just go with whatever happens.

Answer 10

to answer short and simple... don't ask questions and always agree. when someone says something, then add on the first thing that comes to mind. don't try to be funny, just be entirely invested and involved in the reality you (and anyone else) have created. being real is funny.