1. How have you participated in Improv Fridays/Warm Ups throughout the year?
2. Why do you think that we play drama games? What is the value of it?
3. In drama class and in improv in general, we talk about the value of saying “yes, and?”. What is the meaning of “yes and” and is there any value of that idea in other parts of our lives?
4. Consider how creativity, storytelling and character all play an important role in improvisation. Discuss each category's importance and use examples/scenarios to support your thoughts.
5. Whose Line is it Anyway is an improvisational comedy competition show in which four members of the regular cast comedians perform various comic games and sketches. Watch the following video from an episode of the show and discuss what makes their Scenes from a Hat exercise successful or not successful. What kind of improvisational skills are shown from the performers?
Whose Line is it Anyway: Scenes from a Hat (PG Rated)
1. Throughout the year, I have actively participated in Improv Fridays/Warm Ups by engaging in various improv games and exercises. I have taken part in activities such as "Yes, and" exercises, where we build upon each other's ideas, as well as character-based games and storytelling prompts. I have also collaborated with my classmates to create improvised scenes and performances.
2. Drama games are played for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as a warm-up activity, helping actors get into the right mindset and build energy before a performance or rehearsal. It also helps to break the ice and create a sense of camaraderie among the cast members. Additionally, drama games enhance creativity and imagination, allowing participants to think on their feet and explore different characterizations and scenarios. They also help in developing teamwork and communication skills, as players need to listen and respond to each other effectively.
3. In drama class and improv, saying "yes, and" is a fundamental principle. It means accepting and building upon the ideas and actions of others. By saying "yes" to an idea, you acknowledge its validity and give it space to grow. The "and" signifies your contribution and adds to the overall improvisation. This approach promotes collaboration, open-mindedness, and creativity. In other parts of our lives, practicing "yes, and" can be valuable as it encourages active listening and finding common ground with others. It fosters a positive and inclusive environment where ideas can flourish and relationships can thrive.
4. Creativity, storytelling, and character are all essential components of improvisation. Creativity is crucial as it allows performers to think outside the box, come up with unique ideas, and add unexpected elements to scenes. It enables improvisers to build upon each other's contributions and create something engaging and entertaining. Storytelling plays a vital role in improvisation as it helps establish a narrative structure and engage the audience's attention. It allows performers to develop interesting plotlines and creates a connection between the characters and the audience. Finally, character development is central to improv as it helps performers embody different personalities, motivations, and physicalities. It adds depth and authenticity to the scenes and enables improvisers to create compelling and relatable characters. For example, in a scenario where two improvisers are playing strangers who meet on a bus, creativity can be demonstrated by one player portraying a talking dog, storytelling can be incorporated by making the bus journey a journey to self-discovery, and character development can be shown by each improviser bringing unique traits and backgrounds to their respective roles.
5. The Scenes from a Hat exercise on Whose Line is it Anyway is successful because it showcases several improvisational skills. The performers demonstrate quick thinking and adaptability as they take on the spontaneous suggestions from the audience and immediately create scenes based on those prompts. They show the ability to listen and respond, as they always build upon each other's ideas and actions, ensuring the scene progresses smoothly. The performers also display creativity and imagination as they come up with entertaining and unexpected scenarios. They utilize physicality, voices, and comedic timing to enhance their performances and engage the audience. The success of the exercise lies in the performers' ability to think on their feet, support each other's choices, and create hilarious and memorable scenes in the moment.