Improvisation Tips

Laura is a young actress on User Based Casting. Stop by her page and say hello! (Portions of this article have been edited/elaborated on for clarity.)


Improvisation Tips!

First off, improv is acting without a script (for those who don’t know). There are improv games, TV shows, and competitions. It can be really fun, but can also be really scary. I hope these tips help you to improve your improvisation technique!

1)      Never say no! Why? Because when you say no, you shut down the scene. By saying yes, you keep the scene going and the audience entertained. Want to go swimming? Of course! Are you sad? I feel like my heart is breaking! Want to marry me? I’ve always loved you! This doesn’t apply to everything, obviously, but for every no, try to say at least 5 yeses.

2)      Relax and loosen up. Improv can be really nerve-racking: trust me, I know. Just take deep breaths and keep an open mind. In most cases, you will be with a partner with a group. Remember that you’re in this together, and chances are everyone else is as nervous as you are! By going with the flow, everyone will feel more comfortable and in sync.

3)      Be creative! Have fun with it! Be weird and crazy! I once acted in a skit about a bear catcher and a girl with a strange addiction, and we were standing under a large apple juice jug. Belive it or not, that was one of my favorite skits. The premise was so unbelievably weird, but that’s what made it so funny. Think of odd and unusual situations and characters to liven up your improv. Use your imagination!

4)      Be alert. Stay focused and stay in character. Even if you’re not speaking, you can still react. Think about what you should say next. Don’t let your mind wander!

5)      Use your whole body. Walk around, jump up and down, and roll on the ground! Do a cartwheel! Skip! Pass out! Use hand gestures to compliment what you're saying. Two people just standing still can get pretty boring. Move around and make use of the space around you.

6)      Have fun! I know those two words sound lame and overused for this sort of thing, but it’s probably one of the most important tips I can give you. If you’re not enjoying what you're doing, chances are the audience isn’t either. Improv is one of my favorite things in acting, because without a script, there are no boundaries. (You can just go wild!) So listen: let your hair down and have fun!