Improvisational comedy
is a form
of entertainment that tests creative thinking, character role playing
and above all the ability to "listen", "accept" and "read" the scene.
Without
a script or direction, actors perform activities, games and routines
that bring out the best in teamwork, strategic thinking as well as a
wide range of performance skills like movement, facial expressions,
confidence and timing.
Some
History
Improvisational
comedy takes place when the performers improvise (“make up”) all their
dialog
with the framework of a scenario ( “scene). This type of acting
requires high
levels of creativity, quick-thinking and teamwork. The idea of turning
acting
into games was influenced by Englishman Keith Johnstone who created
TheatreSports and Violin Spolin who used games to help teach acting to
children
in the 1920s. Improvisation makes comedy accessible to everyone and
since the
1950s Chicago has been a center for improv with groups like The Compass
and
Second City taking improv around the globe.
Past Shows
12 April 2009. See flyer here.
