Lesson 9 - Improvisation
Spontaneity and Creativity on Set
The world is a slighty better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There’s something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.
Del Close
Improvisation in acting refers to the ability to create spontaneous and creative moments during a performance, often without a script or pre-determined dialogue. It requires actors to think quickly on their feet, react authentically to their fellow actors, and make bold choices in the moment. Improvisation can bring a sense of freshness, spontaneity, and naturalism to a scene, allowing actors to explore new ideas and take risks.
Case Study: Let’s consider the case of an actor preparing for a role in a film that heavily relies on improvisation. The actor’s character is a quirky and eccentric individual who frequently finds themselves in unpredictable situations. To effectively portray this character, the actor needs to embrace spontaneity and tap into their creative instincts.
Here are some simple rules to follow in an improvisation scene.
Improvisation "Rules"
Understanding the Character:
Begin by thoroughly understanding the character’s background, motivations, and objectives. Develop a clear sense of who the character is and how they would respond in various situations. This understanding will serve as a foundation for your improvisational choices. Don’t ever play a scene with details from your own life. Don’t be you, be a character. That’s the fun about acting. We don’t have to be ourselves. We can be anyone! Let your creativity run and make a character that is memorable.
Active Listening:
Improvisation relies heavily on active listening. Practice being fully present in the moment, actively listening to your scene partners, and responding genuinely to their cues. Pay attention to their body language, tone, and emotions, and allow yourself to react instinctively. When you have a improv scene with multiple people, everyone can’t talk at the same time. Listen! Learn when to contribute and when to let others contribute. Ask yourself if you lean more towards “Leading” the story along, or if you lean towards following everyone elses creative contributions. Which ever side you lean towards, I would encourage you to gravitate more towards the middle so you can lead when you need to and follow other people’s ideas as well.
