Improv Concepts
Avoid too many of these to ensure strong story offers.
What are questions?
Jarv says this when you're thinking too much.
What is "Get out of your head?"
Using past experiences to achieve truthful performances.
What is emotion memory?
Invisible laser beams.
What is Zip, Zap, Zoom?
The definition of catalyst (inciting incident).
What is the story moment that begins the rising action? The moment that launches the plot?
The number one rule of improv.
What is, "yes and..."
His traditional sign off and catchphrase.
What is "YES YES?"
Typically called Focus, Stanislavski uses this term in his writings.
What is the Concentration of Attention?
Employment endowment.
What is Why Were You Late?
Storytelling technique that shows character growth/change.
Hint: "vs." is part of this term.
What is Want vs. Need?
Using pantomime to create props that aren't really there.
What is object work?
His way of letting you know grading has begun.
What is "you're on the clock?"
This is the best way to define Objective.
What is what do I want and how will I get it?
Do what I say, not what I do.
What is What Are You Doing?
The ups and downs of the characters' journey throughout the story that keeps the audience engaged.
What is Hope vs. Fear?
When a new character enters a scene in progress.
What is third support?
He says this to encourage you to be bold and loud in your performances.
What is "go big or go home?"
This first element of The System is a way to prepare oneself physically for the work of acting.
What is Relaxation?
Vehicular character mirroring.
What is Hitch-Hiker?
The period of time where the characters deal with the consequences of the All is Lost moment.
What is The Dark Night of the Soul?
Improvisers in a scene should establish these four things as soon as possible (platform).
What are character, relationship, location and a problem?
When he feels particularly frustrated with students he often says this "deadly" phrase.
What is, "killin' me?"
Actors ask these seven questions of themselves that comprise the seven pillars of character.
What is:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What time is it?
What do I want?
How will I get it?
Why do I want it?
What must I overcome to get it?
Living or dying at the point of a finger.
What is Categories?
Here we are introduced to characters, location and the rules of the world.
What is The Setup or Exposition?