HITCHCOCK SUSPENSE! . Alfred Hitchcock points out that if a bomb unexpectantly explodes after five minutes of boring conversation, we have a shocking SURPRISE after the boredom. If the characters know that a bomb exploded at a nearby cafe yesterday and there MIGHT be another bomb in the city, then Read more…
PREDICT IT! PREDICTIVE RESPONSES There’s nothing magical about expertly knowing the outcome of actions on stage… but it sure looks like it from the audience point of view. Let me explain: Paul is chopping food in the Kitchen. Anna walks in and says what most improvisers say, “Oh, you are Read more…
TIPS AND TRICKS NO FEAR! NO FEAR FEAR is the main issue for Improvisers to overcome. Fear of being accepted, Fear of being noticed, not noticed, doing well, following the rules, being good enough… etc etc etc. EVERYONE has fear on some level. The question is how to deal with Read more…
TIPS AND TRICKS – OPEN BOOK – WARNING!!!! ACTHUNG!!!! ADVARSEL!!!!! CAUTION!!!!! ATENCIÓN USE QUICK TIPS WITH CARE!Easy Tricks are no replacement for good technique and risk taking. Use these little tricks ONLY WHEN THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY, MIND-BENDINGLY NECESSARY. Whatever… You won’t listen t me anyway. BUT DON’T COME CRYING TO Read more…
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…
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…
KEITH SAYS… Here are some favourite quotes, a few notes and a paraphrase or two from Keith’s students, friends, and the internet. Enjoy The source and type of reference are cited. If I’m missing one of your favourite Keith quotes, let me know and we’ll include it. If any here 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…
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…
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…