Drama Improv Quiz Flashcards
What is Improv?
Unscripted drama spontaneously created “off the top of our heads”, it requires fast, on-the-spot thinking.
Improv Scene Structure
- Setting
- Characters
- Conflict
- Stakes
- Resolution
Setting
Establish the setting of the scene
Characters
Make clear choices on who you are, your relationships to other characters, and your reason for being in the setting
Conflict
Establish an issue, obstacle, or problem
Stakes
What will the characters lose or gain from the outcome of the conflict, why is it important to them
Resolution
Wrap up the issue explored in the scene (does not have to be happy)
Narrators
To advance the story, add direction to the story when there’s a lack of it, set out the basis of the storyline, continue to allow the actors to still add in info and move the story, open the scene. Not to tell us “Johnny said this” or to act as an actor within the scene.
Techniques of Improv
- Eagerness and positivity
- Trust your scene partners
- Bring energy into the stage
- Take risks
- Be spontaneous
- Do not be afraid of messing up
- Make quick choices
- Do not try to be purposefully funny
Why is it important to say YES… AND in improv?
So that you don’t kill the scene and continue to advance it.
Blocking
When you say no or contradict an offer you have.
Waffling
When you’re wimping and each person is waiting for the other to make a choice and in the meantime there’s nothing really going on.
Shelving
When offers have been accepted but figuratively put on a shelf and forgotten.
Advancing
Adding to it building on elements already established in a scene.
Expanding
Expand on the details of the action or idea that the scene is currently exploring.
Make Offers
When an actor adopts physical or vocal choices to help develop the story or conflict. Great offers have a lot of specificity and detail.
Improv Prompts
- Title
- Starters
- Moment
- Character
- Style
Title
A scene that tells an original story. You are given a made up bake of a story and you must act out a story relevant to the story title given. e.g. “How the middle child became the only child”
Starters
You are given an opening line to start the scene. They should provide some details that can be used to develop the story and never a question. e.g. “You can’t fire me; it’s three days before christmas”
Moment
A moment that you have to teach at some point in the scene. e.g “You are caught in a lie.”
Character
A scene featuring an original character. Your prompt would be unique character with a unique name. e.g. Berta was born with a mermaid tail”
Style
Recreates a style given by the audience/referees, styles are defined by distinctive features, conventions, and common elements that characterize a group of works. e.g. “Soap Opera”
Accept
Accepting is agreeing or complying with ideas given to an actor.