5 myths about improv

Debunking some misconceptions!

1-    I can’t think fast enough to improvise

Fast responses in improv are more a result of slowing down, really listening and then reacting to what has already been said than thinking ahead in lots of detail. As improvisers, we are spinning a lot of metaphorical plates: acting, editing, storytelling etc, and we don’t have enough space to plan all of these. Added to which we are usually co-creating with others. It is not our role to plan everything, and doing so would rob our scene partners of their contribution.

2-    I’d have to tell jokes

Comedy is often a by-product of effective improv, with many funny moments coming from honest reactions and specifics rather than pre-defined jokes. We don't have time to plan lots of jokes, never mind the fact that doing so takes us out of the scene and out of collaboration with our scene partners. Comedy will often come as a by-product of being present and honest in the scene.

3-    If you have to practice it isn’t improv

While improv is an art-form, I often liken it to a sport when discussing how we prepare to improvise. In the same way that a rugby player can’t plan where the ball will be and who they will pass it to when, improvisers don’t know what they will be doing when they get on stage. However, like sportspeople we can drill the skills that will help us when we play. Just as rugby players practice passing the ball, building their fitness and improving their accuracy, improvisers can also train the skills that will help us on the stage. We use games and exercises to practice listening, pattern building, character creation etc. Each scene is different, but training is still important. An established team who may be performing weekly will still be training on top of the performances to keep their skills honed and build their teamwork.

4-    It’s only for extroverted social butterflies

Because we often see improv as a performance we can mistakenly assume all improvisers are extremely extroverted. I have never found this. One thing that draws me to improv is the diversity of people doing it. Some love getting on stage, others find that really difficult but enjoy the structure and creativity of improv. At three things we like to view improv as a growth-mindset art-form. What is important is what you want to build skills in, not where you start. Everyone can contribute and get something from improvising.

5-    All improv is the same

We often say that anything that can be written can be improvised. There are so many styles of improv, and they vary in pace, tone and style. If you’ve seen an improv show, you have seen one improv show. Check out local shows, or those touring at a theatre near you. Each group is different as is each individual show, that’s the beauty of improv!