Improvisation Flashcards
1
Q
How did theatre du Soleil use improv?
A
- improvisation basis but not outcome
- individual episodes devised
- offered alternate perspectives of same event
- once characters, style and presentation is found through improvisation, rehearsed rigorously
2
Q
What did the theatre du Soleil do during improv?
A
- groups of 4 or 5 performers work on a moment or episode
- puppetry, clowning, commedia dell’arte etc are used
- improvs presented and developed
- actors were sharers in a collectively generated show
3
Q
What is the first stage of Mike Leigh’s improv play building?
A
- characters to be developed are chosen
- actors prepare an extensive list of similar people
- Leigh meets with actors and discuss list, choosing characters before the play
4
Q
What is the second stage (mike Leigh)
A
- actors develop and modify characters
- no interaction or knowledge of other characters
- detailed and specific biography developed
5
Q
Third stage? (Mike Leigh)
A
- characters are brought together to improvise and develop relationships
- play still not known
- biographies extended through improv
- actors may also take characters into real world
6
Q
Fourth stage? (Mike Leigh)
A
- define structure for final product
- play finds own form through improv
- scenario put together and may or may not include material from improvs
- play is not based on a script but is so well studied that it is not improv either
7
Q
What is improvisation?
A
Working without a script to create an original performance
8
Q
What is play building?
A
Working within a group to create through the use of improvisation, an original ensemble performance
9
Q
How can improvisation be used in drama?
A
- to help understand and employ the elements of drama
- a means of creating a performance
- sharpen acting skills eg. Agility, response, listening
- used in rehearsal
- tool for exploring character and dramatic forms
- structured drama game eg theatre sports
- basis of performance such as commedia and stand up comedy
10
Q
Who is the director of theatre du Soleil?
A
Ariane Mnouchkine
11
Q
What is playback theatre?
A
Original form of improvisational theatre where audience member personal stories is played back onstage by an ensemble of actors
