What's Improv?

Whether it's comedic or takes a turn for the dramatic, improv is, simply put, any unscripted performance. Sometimes, like in Christopher Guest movies, a basic, skeleton plot outline exists that the actors then improvise around. For most stage improvisers, like ourselvs and other locals like Parallelogramophonograph, the most we know before a show begins is the format of the show. For The Starter Kit, that could range from something as high-energy as one of TSK's anniversary squirt gun shows or one of our more character-based La Ronde (also referred to as Six Degrees in improv circles) performances.

In the last couple of decades, improv has made several well-known jumps from stage art to television and film. Some examples that spring to mind are Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Curb Your Enthusiasm, parts of the hit NBC show The Office are improvised, and multiple movies such Best in Show and Happy-Go-Lucky.

Often, there is some degree of audience involvement in an improvised show, and that usually comes in the form of taking a suggestion. For example, an audience member might be asked to offer up a location for the scene to take place or a word to inspire the start of the show. An audience member might even be asked to come on stage to help the performers create a scene or gain inspiration from your life. Mainly, improvisers ask that the audience trust the show is unscripted, suspend disbelief, and enjoy the show created before their eyes.

If you're interested in taking improv classes, you can do so at any one of the local theaters in Austin that specialize in improv. Check out our friends at ColdTowne Theater, The Hideout, and SVT for their class schedules. If you think this sounds like the perfect form of entertainment for your upcoming event or corporation demonstration, here's information about hiring us.