The Comedy Fix Episode 68 - Short Form
Jul 27, 2023
Liam Clancy, an improv performer and teacher from UCB and IFTP, joins the conversation about the exciting world of short-form improv. The group dives into the unique skills developed in short vs. long-form training, highlighting the bold choices that short-form encourages. They explore the evolving production values in improv scenes and even brainstorm dramatic short-form concepts. The debate covers audience engagement, the importance of risk-taking, and the intricate dynamics of indie teams, all while celebrating iconic short-form performers.
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Rules And Audience Framing Define Short Form
- Short form is defined by clear rules and audience-facing explanations that set a gamified challenge for performers.
- Scenes are begun and ended by the host and prioritize achieving the game's constraints over narrative discovery.
USC Team Mixed Long Form With Short-Form Commercials
- Liam described USC team shows mixing long-form narrative with short-form commercial-break games.
- Freshmen misidentified fast montage as "short form" simply because scenes were short.
Different Muscles For Different Forms
- Short form and long form require different performance muscles and sensibilities.
- Players often need bolder, swing-for-the-joke choices in short form that long-form training can underproduce.