I need help with Improvisational acting?

Question

I am in a theatresports team, and i need tips on improvisional acting.

Answer 1

Any tips in particular?  I'll give you my basic run down.

Good scenes contain these elements.  Character, Relationship, Objective, Where (CROW)  Commit to doing these, you'll be on the start to a good scene.

Listen to your scene partner.  Accept and further the scene.  Think "yes, and".  Occasionally "yes, but", BUT don't let the but be a way for you to assert your own agenda on the scene.  Use it to create conflict to help move the scene forward.  Be humble!  You may have a brilliant idea that will make the scene go perfectly, but if you come out and something totally different is being or already has been established, let your idea go!

The Truth is funny!  There's rarely a need to try and force the audience to laugh.  Every day situations can create some of the best comedy.  Stick to the natural progression of the scene, don't try and add a crazy twist in because you think it's funny.  An audience can sense when you are deliberately trying to go for a joke, and will always appreciate it more when it comes naturally from the progression of the scene.

Big character choices assist with scenes.  Want something different?  Make strong choices.  Walk a certain way, speak a certain way.  If nothing else, the audience will appreciate your commitment to a character.

Trust your scene partners, they're trusting you.  Don't be a jerk and upstage or steal jokes or draw attention when you don't need it.  It's all a give and take.  Unconditionally support your fellow players.  Laugh at their scenes, even if it isn't funny.  Your energy and laughter is contagious and rubs off on the audience.

Don't go blue.  The audience will always appreciate it more when they see a certain opportunity for a dirty joke, and know that you see the same thing, but then you manage to turn it into something totally different.  Then, you get credit for 2 jokes, the one you could have done, and the one that you actually did.  Playing with a line of decency challenges you to do good improv instead of relying on cheap f**t jokes and just bad humor in general.  We're above that as improvisers, most of the time.

Have fun!  Go out, and leave it all onstage.  You should be physically and emotionally exhausted by the time the show is done, and the audience will love you for it.