Improv, Beat by Beat

19 – Cliches and Gaps

Jul 5, 2018
Join Achilles Stamatelaky, Will Hines, and a star-studded cast of improvisers as they dive deep into the clichés that plague the genre. They tackle tired tropes, emphasizing the need for authenticity and emotional depth in performances. Discussions span from the oversimplification of character dynamics to the importance of physicality in comedy. The group advocates for fresh perspectives, highlighting gender roles and the gaps between real life and improv. Expect a thought-provoking exploration of how to elevate the craft beyond its clichés.
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ADVICE

Don't Fix Scenes With Walk-Ons

  • Avoid walking on to 'fix' a scene; it reads like judgment and pulls focus from your teammates.
  • Ask whether the edit would make sense to a first-time improv viewer before you tag in or define location.
INSIGHT

Emotional Depth Amplifies Comedy

  • Improv scenes gain depth when they affect the audience emotionally beyond jokes.
  • Groups that prioritize emotional truth create hilarious but also deeply moving moments.
ADVICE

Ditch Lazy Names And Rituals

  • Ban J-names and reduce ritual high-fives to avoid lazy naming and staging habits.
  • Coach teams to develop distinct recurring scenarios and character types to build ensemble identity.
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