Where can we start in an improv scene? Who What Where (WWW), CREW, and Based Reality

The Basics: Who, What, Where

The phrase "Who, What, Where" serves as a guiding framework for many improvisers. By establishing these three elements early in a scene, improvisers can create a shared understanding for both the performers and the audience. This foundation helps to ground the performance, making it easier to build upon as the scene progresses. It also helps us to focus as we build a scene; painting these details will inspire us and give us a ‘base reality’ to work within:

• Who refers to the characters involved in the scene. Who are they? What are their motivations, desires, and backgrounds?

• What covers the action taking place. What are the characters doing? What is the conflict or objective that drives the scene? What is the scene about?

• Where indicates the location or setting. Where is the scene taking place? What are the physical and emotional implications of this setting?

  
  

Going Deeper: Character, Relationship, Environment, and What

While "Who, What, Where" provides a useful starting point, I have found it useful to go further into the Who by separating it in to Character and Relationship. Together with the where and what, this makes CREW:

Character

Character is more than just a name or a role; it is the essence of who the person is. Understanding your character allows you to embody them fully, making choices that align with their motivations and desires. Characters should have distinct voices, physicalities, and personality traits, which help to create a more engaging and relatable performance. When improvisers take the time to develop their characters, they breathe life into the scene, making it easier for both themselves and the audience to invest emotionally.

Relationship

The relationship between characters is the easiest way to create a compelling scene and to make the next choice. Every interaction carries with it a history, an emotional context, and a power dynamic. Are the characters friends, rivals, or strangers? What is the nature of their connection? Or more simply, how to they act towards each other? By focusing on and identifying the relationship/dynamic, we can tap into numerous ideas to play, and create realistic and engaging scenes.

Environment

The environment is the physical setting where the scene takes place, but it also encompasses the emotional and thematic undertones of that location. Is it a bustling city street, a quiet café, or a haunted house? The environment can influence character behavior and interactions. For instance, a character may feel trapped in a small space, leading to heightened emotions and conflict. By carefully considering the environment, improvisers can enrich their scenes, turning a simple location into a vibrant backdrop that enhances the scene.

What

Finally, the element of "What" pertains to the action or conflict in the scene. What is at stake? What challenges do the characters face? This element is crucial for maintaining momentum and keeping the audience engaged. A clear objective gives characters a purpose and drives the story forward. The "What" can evolve as the scene progresses, but establishing a clear initial action helps to anchor the improvisers in the moment, guiding their choices and interactions.

Establishing a Base Reality

Whether using WWW or CREW, focusing on these elements helps to create a ‘based reality’. So why is it important to establish a base reality at the beginning of a scene? A base reality creates a shared understanding among performers and the audience. When improvisers agree on the fundamental aspects of the scene—who the characters are, what they want, and where they are—the audience can more easily suspend disbelief and invest in the story.

A well-defined base reality allows for greater freedom in improvisation. When performers understand the rules of their world, they can explore more complex ideas and relationships without losing the audience's attention. Additionally, it reduces confusion and miscommunication between performers, allowing for smoother and more cohesive scenes.

A strong base reality sets the stage for character development, emotional arcs and comedic patterns. When the audience understands the stakes and context, they are more likely to connect with the characters on a deeper level.