Improv Basics: Introduction

This is the beginning of the Improv Basics Series.

One of my main reasons for starting this blog was to supplement the classes I teach. Improv is mostly a folk tradition, so knowledge is passed down verbally, and it is difficult to find information online, even the basics. There are several books written on improv, but I have yet to find one that covers everything I want to cover in an improv curriculum. Most of the people reading this blog have already taken some improv classes somewhere, so I called these articles “Improv Basics,” letting readers know that they would probably not contain any groundbreaking new information.

I want to spend class time letting the students practice rather than covering theory. Having an optional reading assignment to supplement the class is nice for students who missed class, zoned off, or would just like a deeper dive into the theory. Eventually, I would like this collection of articles to form a sort of introductory improv book. I have made a table of contents to give a recommended reading order, but I am not necessarily writing them in order. If you are an improv teacher, I hope you find the articles useful.

For students (in my class or others), I recommend that you do not read through the articles too fast. I send my students the articles as we cover them in class. You may read ahead if you wish, but the theory is only effective if you practice it. If you were to read a book on how to lift weights, it may help you get the most out of your practice, but it is no substitute for practice. You should do the exercises as you encounter them in the book.

Perhaps one day, I will compile these articles into a physical object with ink stamped onto pressed wood pulp. For now, though, this book lives only online.

Here are some things you should know:

No particular theatre is affiliated with the blog. I have taught at multiple theatres, each with their own curriculum. The material for the blog is not taken directly from the theatre curriculums. What goes into the articles is a combination of all the improv classes and workshops I’ve taken filtered through my own experience. I share these articles with my students at these theatres, but I do not write for any improv theatre.

The articles may change. I may revise the articles from time to time as I encounter better ways to cover this material. Major revisions should be rare. The most common change I will make is to add a link to the “Further Reading” section.

Citations are difficult. Much of this information is passed down verbally. I try my best to identify the source of common improv phrases, exercises, forms, etc. In many cases, this is impossible to track down. At best, I can tell you where I first learned about it. When I am quoting something from an existing improv book or blog, it is cited. Otherwise, the words are my own.

Please leave comments if you have something to add or if your improv school or theatre has a different way of talking about these ideas. I love to hear different perspectives. Please be respectful and constructive in the comments.