Navigating Your Mind During Improv: Techniques for Engaging Characters and Crafting Stories
Introduction to Improv Thinking
When you're performing improv, it's crucial to keep your character in mind even when you're not speaking. This means that your thoughts, no matter how mundane, should be consistent with your character's world. This article explores how to effectively navigate your mind during improvisation, making your performances more engaging and memorable.
Staying True to Your Character in Your Head
One of the key aspects of improv is maintaining consistency and immersiveness. Your character should be well-rounded and believable, even to the extent that you imagine their thoughts and actions in your head. For instance, if your character is described as a hungry person, your thoughts might revolve around hunger and meal preparation:
I am hungry. I should make myself a sandwich.
From here, you can dive deeper:
The last sandwich I ate was a ham sandwich. I like ham, but I like bacon better. It must be weird to be named Kevin Bacon...
This train of thoughts can translate into on-stage actions and reactions, making the performance more believable and relatable to the audience.
Building Plausible and Interesting Scenes
Improvisation is all about making reasonable and believable choices, even if they seem unconventional at first. For example, if your partner is playing a doctor, the bill they present should have some logical explanation. Similarly, if the setting is a gas station, a mechanic on-site could be a plausible character. However, taking a less obvious choice can make the story more compelling. For instance:
If a cat is stuck in a tree, the logical course of action would be to help, but what if you put it there to get back at your neighbor? This could lead to an interesting storyline.
The idea is to make discoveries, even if they are found in the nuances of the scene. This could involve a character having an unexpected reaction or backstory, making each performance unique and memorable.
Concentration on the Audience and Prompt
While you're on stage, your primary focus should be the audience and the prompt they give. Your answers should align with your life experience and imagination. Once the scene concludes, you may be surprised by what you have said or done, but this is a good sign because it means you were fully present and engaging with the moment.
Remember, improv is a form of adult make-believe. The possibilities are endless, but it is essential to keep the story grounded in reality to maintain audience engagement.
Videotape and Reflecting on Performances
Even though you may not remember what you said or did during a performance, having a video recording can be a valuable tool. It allows you to review and analyze your performances, identifying areas for improvement and reinforcing successful techniques.
Post-performance reflection is crucial for improving and growing as an improviser. Analyzing the footage can help you understand your character's motivations and the decisions you made during the scene. This process is not just about critique but also about learning and honing your skills.
Conclusion
Improvisation requires a clear understanding of your character, a focus on plausible and interesting scenarios, and a keen attention to the audience and prompt. By staying in character even in your thoughts, making logical and engaging choices, and reflecting on your performances, you can enhance your improvisational skills and create more dynamic and memorable scenes.