games and lessons
Walkin’ Talkin’ Directors often tell actors not to walk as they speak. “Plant your feet, then talk. It gives your words more weight. It makes you stronger,” they say. So, when I heard the premise of the following exercise, I, unfortunately, let this implied rule lingering at the back of Read more…
ARTIFICIAL IMPROVISATION It’s Here & Now (part-002/003) WELCOME to PART 2 of the AI IMPRO special!!! If you got to the end of PART 1, you would have realised that 70% of it was co-written by AI (including 4 of the 6 pictures which were AI generated.) I promise not Read more…
COLLAPSING WALLS THE GAME During a class in Germany, I noticed an improviser consistently avoiding interaction with her partners. She told me she had been given that note before, but was uncertain how to address the issue. This often ignored, but common improvisation problem can damage scenes especially when it Read more…
GET OUT! LEAVING THE ROOM FOR THE SAME REASON Improvisers SHOULD be great team performers. They SHOULD be connected and aware. They SHOULD BE… BUT…. Improvisers can be notoriously disconnected and self focused. This Keith Johnstone exercise is useful in getting groups to act with focussed unity. It develops a connection Read more…
ARTIFICIAL IMPROVISATION (part-001/003) What is this?!?! As the field of artificial intelligence continues to advance, many improvisers are beginning to consider the possibilities of incorporating AI into their work. With the ability to generate unique ideas and responses in real-time, AI has the potential to revolutionize the art of improvisation Read more…
The BOTOX Game A couple of weeks ago in Stuttgart, Germany, I was teaching a class with IMPRO STUTTGART with Kati, Steph, Kerstin,and Steve. With smaller ensembles, I like to have the group develop specific exercises based on individual needs of company members. It’s a reminder of being kids again when we’d Read more…
LEFT or RIGHT GAME: LEFT or RIGHT – A Game of Choices Delaying your decisions is the death of spontaneity. Hesitation comes from a fearful brain trying to avoid failure. In our lives, we are confronted by countless lessons that our poor choices will lead to punishment. Our process slows Read more…
TIPS AND TRICKS What’s the Point? WHAT’S THE POINT??? Let’s be honest. Our brain doesn’t always fire on all cylinders. There are times you simply don’t have the… uh… words to create the details or the inspiration to kick the scene into a healthier place. Here’s a tip that makes Read more…
TRICK or TREAT Halloween traditions see young ghosts and goblins going from door to door begging for treats in North America. They yell “TRICK OR TREAT!!!” at the door expecting their sugar and chocolate payment. You can support their greedy little objectives with a tasty treat. Deny them their wish and Read more…
Moral Kryptonite Superman, with that super strength, vision, speed, and ability to fly would become super boring if we knew he had absolutely no weakness. Kryptonite saps the Man of Steel’s super powers to the point he can be broken by a gust of wind. Imagine bringing out that bar Read more…