How to Be an Improv Actor

Improvisation theater, or Improv as it's called, is a way for actors to improve their acting skills. There isn't a script, so the performance is spontaneous. Concentration is important because the actor needs to be able to handle any situation that comes up on stage. Here are some steps to help you become an Improv actor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take part in an Improv workshop. The workshop can help you become a better actor. Don't worry about your performance on stage. Just relax and have fun.

2. Be aware of what's going on around you, concentrate on what's happening on stage and focus on what's going on in the scene. If you and your partner connect, you can give a better performance.

3. React to your partner. During the scene, listen to what your partner says and try to use your true emotions to react. You want to get the audience to laugh at your situation and the best way to do this is to react in such a way that is real and spontaneous, not forced.

4. Use your improvisation to invoke laughter from the audience. You don't have to tell jokes, because if you and your partner connect, you can make the audience laugh simply at your situation.

Tips & Warnings

• When using Improv, the actor has to trust his own instincts to figure out how his or her character would react to certain situations, internal or external.
• Improvisation Theater is usually comical, not dramatic.