Watch and Learn! Improv inspiration for new improvisers

Catherine Seed
Feb 6
2 min read

Updated: Feb 8

If you've recently fallen in love with the process of improv and are looking for examples to inspire you, and to show improv in action, this is the post for you! Below, I’ll share some fantastic examples ordered by time to watch (we don't always have an hour to spare of course).

Types of Improv:

There are as many styles of improv as there are improvisers, but broadly I see three/four main styles:

1. Short-form – usually single scenes, based around a game.

2. Long-form narrative – multiple related scenes telling one or more story

3. Long-form scenic – single or multiple scenes that often explore character and/or patterns.

At Three Things Theatre we mostly play within Long-form scenic improv, but it’s good to know they options out there any to find a style that works for you!

Below are some examples depending on whether you have a little time to watch or a longer

Content warning as always; these are videos from around the internet and some contain strong language and themes.

Short Improv Examples (1-10ish minutes)

1. Short-form Sentences (Improvaganza) (6min)

2. Long-form narrative Improvised Shakespeare Company (6min)

3. Long-form scenic / game-of-the-scene Jimmy Carrane and Matt Higbee (11min)

Medium-Length Improv Examples (10-30ish minutes)

1. Short-form Games (Shoot from the Hip) (Playlist)

2. Long-form narrative Happily Never After (The MayDays) (36 min)

4. Long-form scenic / game-of-the-scene