How to Do Improv

Improvisation or improv comedy is performed without a script. The players make everything up on the spot with audience participation. To do successful improv you must be aware of the basic structure.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide which form of improv you wish to tackle. An improv show primarily runs anywhere from a half hour to an hour and a half. Short form is primarily a show with many different games that last from 1 to 5 minutes each. Long form is a show that is based on one or two games. Beginners will want to start with short form to get a feel for improv structure. Long form improv involves extended scenes that require acute listening skills.

2. Practice improv warm-ups, exercises and games. Warm-ups and exercises are usually done without an audience. They are designed to help you and your scene partners become comfortable performing with each other. Games are the basis for an improv show.

3. Listen to your scene partners. This is one of the most important aspects of improv. You not only listen to what is being said in the scene, but also understand what is implied. Do not think about what you are going to say--instead, react to what is being said.

4. Accept every offer from your fellow players. Whenever a scene partner speaks to you, he is giving you an offer. You MUST agree to whatever he or she offers. Denial is a quick way for a scene to die. For example, if your partner says, "Isn't it great to be in Costa Rica on our honeymoon?" a denial is, "We're in the North Pole, strange lady." Many people think denials are a great way to get laughs. In truth, they aren't. They also throw off the other players.

5. Avoid asking questions at all costs. They will send a scene downhill because you have put the burden of answering them on your partner. Make statements like, "You went to the store today and forgot the milk" rather than, "Where did you go today?" Statements also set up conflict and move the scene forward. Rhetorical questions like, "Aren't you the guy I saw breaking into the hardware store?" are fine to ask because the only answers are "yes" or "no."

6. Build on offers that have been given. For instance, you can build on the honeymoon in Costa Rica example by saying, "Yes! And it was wonderful of your parents to come along with us."

Tips & Warnings

• If you host an improv show, get the audience involved and excited to be there. Give examples of how they should participate.
• Do not plan out scenes in your head beforehand. It is natural to be nervous and want to plan a scene beforehand, but successful improv comes down to basic listening and reacting.