What does it Mean to host an improv show Do you like playing games Do you like acting Do you like being on stage Then hosting an improv show is the right project for you Improv is short for improvisation This means making things up Improv shows are a form of live theater They’re unique No two shows are alike Actors do improv on stage They act in the moment They don’t plan There aren’t any scripts 4 CHAPTER ONE
Scripts are prepared outlines Actors make up the plot They make up the characters They make up the dialogue Dialogue is what people say Talk to improv actors Learn from them 5
KNOW THE LINGO Accepting letting others help you move forward with the scene Advancing moving the scene forward Breaking the routine interrupting the action with another action in order to advance the scene Callback bringing back an idea from earlier in the scene Gagging making a joke that doesn’t flow with the scene Plateau a period in which a scene is not advancing Setup explaining the scene to the audience before acting Shelving acknowledging an offer but not doing anything with it Stepping out breaking the acting by commenting Talking heads when actors do more talking than moving Waffling failing to make decisions Walk-on entering a scene making an offer and then exiting Wimping accepting an offer but not acting on it 6
Improv troupes are groups of actors They practice together They perform together They do shows together They do contests They compete with other troupes They travel together They take ideas from audiences Audiences are viewers They go to shows They watch They participate They’re a part of the show They help create the story Host an improv show whenever you want They’re popular all year Hosting these shows will give you more practice You need to practice in front of audiences You’ll build your improv skills You’ll gain more confidence You’ll meet new people The best part is you’ll have fun Watch sketch comedy shows on TV 7
