A three-step approach to energetic improv

Until improvisers lock into the specifics of a scene —deciding and declaring who they are, where they are, and what they are doing—they are just spinning their wheels. They are just improvisers standing in front of us spouting words, attempting to entertain us with their wit, rather than engage us with the substance of their situation.

Once the scene has shifted into gear, the players can now focus on what to play, known as finding the game—a repeatable comedic pattern exaggerated for effect, or a relationship dynamic that deserves further exploration and heightening—or maybe both.

And once the game has been found, it is not enough to just present the exploitable aspect of the scene, it needs to be performed. Infused with character, emotion, and physicality. It begs to be amplified by the performing talents of the participating improvisers.