Join Maritza Montañez, Liz Noth, and Chris Scott, along with other improv experts, as they dive into invaluable advice for first-year improvisers. They stress the importance of attending shows for learning and understanding the craft. Tips include the necessity of regular practice, embracing vulnerability on stage, and building a supportive community. The conversation also touches on navigating sensitivity and the joy of diverse experiences in improv, encouraging newcomers to express their unique voices and foster connections.
Observing a variety of improv performances is essential for beginners to develop a critical eye and understanding of the craft.
Consistent practice, ideally once or twice a week, is crucial for building improv skills and confidence over time.
Mastering foundational elements like active listening and the 'yes, and' principle is vital for new improvisers to create successful scenes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Watching Improv
Seeing a lot of improv shows is crucial for beginners as it constitutes a significant part of their early learning experience. Observing performances helps develop a critical eye, allowing improvisers to analyze what works and what doesn’t on stage. Many experienced improvisers emphasize that a substantial portion of learning the craft comes from watching seasoned performers, noting that even less successful shows can provide valuable insights. Engaging with live performances also serves to enhance one's understanding of the art form and helps determine if it is a suitable passion.
Repetition is Key to Improvement
Practicing consistently is essential for developing improv skills, as improvisation requires regular repetition much like any sport or art form. Many improvisers advise new performers to engage in as many practice sessions as possible, aiming for at least once or twice a week outside classes. It is highlighted that improving in improv isn't just about innate funniness but involves putting in hard work to build muscle memory and skill over time. By focusing on practice and honing specific skills, improvisers can make significant progress and gain confidence.
Fundamentals: The Building Blocks of Improv
Mastering the foundational elements of improv is critical for beginners, as these skills form the bedrock for more advanced techniques later on. New improvisers are encouraged to focus on essential principles such as active listening, 'yes, and' constructs, and establishing the who, what, and where of scenes. It is suggested that understanding and applying these fundamentals can lead to smoother performances and stronger collaborative scenes. Ignoring the basics in favor of more complex strategies can hinder development, especially for those in the introductory stages.
The Significance of Healthy Collaboration
Establishing a positive and supportive practice group is vital for both enjoyment and growth in improv. Engaging with like-minded individuals who challenge and inspire each other creates an environment conducive to learning and creativity. Many improvisers recommend being selective about team dynamics, ensuring that practice groups are filled with inspiring and fun collaborators. Additionally, it’s important to foster strong relationships and teamwork within these groups to enhance the overall improvisational experience.
Balancing Improv with Life Beyond the Stage
For sustained growth and interest, it is essential for improvisers to engage in life experiences outside of improv. Participants are encouraged to expose themselves to diverse art forms, literature, and different social environments to enrich their performances with authentic experiences. This approach helps prevent burnout by ensuring that improv is not the sole focus of their lives, allowing improvisers to bring perspective and relatability to their craft. Ultimately, cultivating interests beyond improv can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched improvisational practice.
I asked many of the people I interviewed the same question: what advice would you give an improvisor in their first year doing improv? Featuring Maritza Montañez, Liz Noth, Chris Scott, Morgan Phillips, Will Hines, Bill DiPiero, Achilles Stamatelaky, Ashley Ward, Ray Cordova, Sebastian Conelli, Joey Price, Patrick Noth, Kevin Mullaney, Lily Du, Nicole Drespel, Lou Gonzalez, Kevin Hines, Kelsey Bailey, Beth Appel, Molly Thomas, Alex Dickson, Jessica Morgan, Jesse Lee, John Timothy, James Dwyer, and Lydia Hensler. Hosted by Curtis Retherford, edited by Alejandro Cardona, written by Alejandro Cardona and Curtis Retherford.
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