MORE Improv vocab
APPENDIX
Here is some additional IMPROV vocabulary:
by Dan Goldstein. First version 1996, last 2009.
blackout - A very short scene, often just a few seconds. Three of
them make a runner.
characterizing action - an action which says to the other
performers and the audience what
sort of occupation or social role the
character has. These are often used
to begin scenes, such as when teachers
erase blackboards, and what not.
denial - Trashing what somebody else has set up on stage, be it
mime or fact
fourth wall - The wall that isn't there which, if existed, would go
between the players and the audience. Beginners
need to be careful about turning one's back on the
fourth wall!
gag scenes - Very short, funny scenes. People doing them should
not feel obligated to further the plot or present any
vital information. These scenes are just plain fun and
the people on lights should treat them as such.
justification - providing an explanation for something the audience
saw that didn't make sense
reflexive action - an action a character does repeatedly and
unconsciously. Helps make the character stand
out from the crowd, as well as seem familiar like
an old friend, or that special pair of moccasins.
One way to "take care of yourself" on stage.
rule of a thousand - continuing on after the rule of three until
things become funny again. Some people
believe this works something like a sine wave,
so there's always hope some thing may get
funny again even if it's starting to look really
desperate.
rule of three - Three humorous events (scenes, jokes, etc.) on the
same topic or with the same gist. The third is always
the hardest hitting.
runner - three blackouts on the same theme with the third one
being the biggest larf of all.
status - Whoever has influence or control over a situation has the
higher status in the scene. Many pre-defined stock
relationships, such as, judge / plaintiff have status build
right into them. Status can easily invert and this can
become the plot of entire stories, a la Trading Places.
yes and - two great words which encourage the person who says
them to accept information and add to it
APPENDIX
Here is some additional IMPROV vocabulary:
by Dan Goldstein. First version 1996, last 2009.
blackout - A very short scene, often just a few seconds. Three of
them make a runner.
characterizing action - an action which says to the other
performers and the audience what
sort of occupation or social role the
character has. These are often used
to begin scenes, such as when teachers
erase blackboards, and what not.
denial - Trashing what somebody else has set up on stage, be it
mime or fact
fourth wall - The wall that isn't there which, if existed, would go
between the players and the audience. Beginners
need to be careful about turning one's back on the
fourth wall!
gag scenes - Very short, funny scenes. People doing them should
not feel obligated to further the plot or present any
vital information. These scenes are just plain fun and
the people on lights should treat them as such.
justification - providing an explanation for something the audience
saw that didn't make sense
reflexive action - an action a character does repeatedly and
unconsciously. Helps make the character stand
out from the crowd, as well as seem familiar like
an old friend, or that special pair of moccasins.
One way to "take care of yourself" on stage.
rule of a thousand - continuing on after the rule of three until
things become funny again. Some people
believe this works something like a sine wave,
so there's always hope some thing may get
funny again even if it's starting to look really
desperate.
rule of three - Three humorous events (scenes, jokes, etc.) on the
same topic or with the same gist. The third is always
the hardest hitting.
runner - three blackouts on the same theme with the third one
being the biggest larf of all.
status - Whoever has influence or control over a situation has the
higher status in the scene. Many pre-defined stock
relationships, such as, judge / plaintiff have status build
right into them. Status can easily invert and this can
become the plot of entire stories, a la Trading Places.
yes and - two great words which encourage the person who says
them to accept information and add to it