Improv Basics
This rule of improv encourages actors to accept what their scene partners offer and add to it.
What is "Yes, And"?
This Commedia character is a clever servant, often performing acrobatics
Who is (Arlecchino)?
The country where Commedia dell’Arte originated.
Italy
The area of the stage closest to the audience
What is "downstage"?
This Disney princess leaves her glass slipper behind at a royal ball.
Who is Cinderella?
In improv, actors must avoid asking too many of these, as it stops the scene from progressing.
What are questions?
This greedy, old miserly character is often hunched over and wears a long-nosed mask
Who is Pantalone?
The time period when Commedia dell’Arte was most popular.
What is the 16th to 18th century?
The imaginary line actors should not cross to upstage their scene partners.
What is the "fourth wall"?
This animated show follows a yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea.
What is SpongeBob SquarePants?
The term for making an offer or suggestion in an improv scene.
What is an "initiation"?
This character is a boastful soldier who exaggerates his bravery.
Who is Il Capitano
Commedia actors often wore these on their faces to exaggerate expressions.
What are masks?
The name for a moment in a performance when a character speaks directly to the audience.
What is "breaking the fourth wall"?
The name of the first African American Disney princess
Who is Tiana?
The name for an improv scene that builds on audience suggestions and is completely unscripted.
what is "spontaneous improv" or "long-form improv"?
The name of the stock character known as a foolish scholar or doctor
Who is Il Dottore
This means “comedy of the arts” and refers to professional comedic theater.
What is "Commedia dell’Arte"?
A loud and clear way of speaking on stage so everyone can hear
What is "projection"
This mischievous Disney villain is the half-brother of Thor
Who is Loki?
This is when an actor dominates a scene and doesn’t allow others to contribute.
What is "blocking" or "steamrolling"?
These two characters are often young lovers in Commedia dell’Arte
Who are the Innamorati
This is the term for the improvisational outlines Commedia actors followed instead of scripts.
What are "scenarios"?
The term for changing voice, movement, or expressions to create a character.
What is "characterization"?
This animated show follows twin siblings Dipper and Mabel as they uncover supernatural mysteries in Gravity Falls.
What is Gravity Falls?