Improv Unit

Question 1

Where did improv come from?

Answer 1

Improvisation began in the 15th century with a dramatic form called Commedia Dell’Arte.

Question 2

What Is Commedia Dell’Arte?

Answer 2

An Italian style of drama that specialized in crude comedies where actors were free to make things up as they went along.

Question 3

Who taught improv?

Answer 3

Viola spolin

Keith Johnstone

Question 4

Who is Viola Spolin?

Answer 4

• In 1930 in Chicago, Spolin began using what are now common improv techniques to train actors.
• She believed that this skill was to be used as a rehearsal tool rather than a performance.

Question 5

Who is Keith Johnstone?

Answer 5

in London, Johnstone began to rebel against his acting teachers by teaching the opposite of what he was taught.
• He began experimenting with improv techniques and in 1970 he developed “Theatresports” a form of public improv performance.

Question 6

What are the three stimuli actors must respond quickly and confidently to in improv?

Answer 6

Scene Suggestion(s): The improvisers will be given a brief set-up for their scene. Ex – Two strangers meet at the bus stop.
• Trait Suggestion(s): The improvisers will be given a personality quirk or trait that they must showcase throughout their scene. Ex – You are a vampire.
• Line Suggestion(s): The improvisers will be given a line or lines that they must incorporate into their scene. Ex – “Remember when I said I loved you? I lied!”

Question 7

What are the improv principles that are Necessary to ensure success?

Answer 7

• Make & ACCEPT Offers: Making a suggestion in a scene is called “making an offer.” It is crucial that you make offers and accept them when made in a scene.
• Listen Then Speak: It is easy to lose yourself in your thoughts as you panic about what to say. Spend that time listening to your scene partners and respond to them, the scene will build itself if you do.
• Use your bodies: Often when improvising, you will be so focused on what you should say you forget to move. This leas to a boring scene. Be expressive!!!
• Conflict Is Key: Any good story needs a conflict. If there is nothing to overcome/be solved/work towards there is no point.

Question 8

What are the 10 commandments

Answer 8

1. THOU SHALT NOT BLOCK
2. THOU SHALT ALWAYS RETAIN FOCUS
3. THOU SHALT NOT SHINE ABOVE THY TEAM-MATES
4. TO GAG IS TO COMMIT A SIN THAT WILL BE PAID FOR DEARLY
5. THOU SHALT ALWAYS BE CHANGED BY WHAT IS SAID TO YOU
6. THOU SHALT NOT WAFFLE
7. WHEN IN DOUBT, BREAK THE ROUTINE
8. TO WIMP IS TO SHOW THY TRUE SELF
9. (S)HE THAT TRIES TO BE CLEVER IS NOT; WHILE (S)HE THAT IS CLEVER DOESN`T TRY
10. WHEN THY FAITH IS LOW, THY SPIRIT WEAK, THY GOOD FORTUNE STRAINED, AND THY TEAM LOSING, BE COMFORTED AND SMILE, BECAUSE IT JUST DOESN`T MATTER.