Improv Overview

After confusing a few readers with the specialized focus of my writings, I decided to include a piece on the foundation of the Devil Mountain Improv League, and explain the Improvisation Theater as an art form.

First, I understand if the question comes to mind: What is Improv?
There are only a few good descriptions, and lots of bad descriptions of what Improv is.
The most popular example is the television series Who's Line is it Anyway?

The art form itself has been around for much longer than the television series -- even the original British version. If you're interested in the History of Improv, do some research. You can even check out my list of suggested reading.

The DMIL is a high school league established for students by students, and has been around since 1996. It began with only three high schools participating in this creative and interactive art form, and it continues to grow. At some point, I hope to include a detailed history of the DMIL. For now, you'll just have to take my word that it was awesome.

In many ways, Improvisational Theater is known as the "Poor Man's Theater." This is because the lack of props, costumes and sets makes for a very cost-effective production. This art form, while not requiring much money, does require quite a bit of dedication to the craft and skill. This makes it ideal for high school students who may not have a large income, but do have the time and focus to build and develop the complicated skills necessary to master the art of improv. While the actors do not need to buy props, costumes and sets, they DO need to find a way to physically portray everything in the environment spontaneously, in order to help the audience imagine the world being created. Improv does not seem complicated until you realize the actors are manifesting a world out of thin air, while simultaneously creating characters we can relate to, emotionally realistic relationships, and events that are believable enough to fit in everyone's imagination.

Improv can create events that you never would imagine were possible, but maybe they are.



Improvisational Theater teaches skills that are useful for the stage as well as everyday life. The application to everyday life has become enormously prominent, especially when it applies to corporate team building. This site will not focus on the worldly applications, since corporations have the money to afford bringing in a professional instructor who can guide them through the process. If you're interested, I recommend it. The fluffy-cuddly testimonials are everywhere.

Judging Improv

The degeneration of quality scenes in the DMIL was indirectly caused by poor judging. Thus, I feel it is important to show examples, and have YOU be the judge. Let's see how well this works.

Theater Sports is based upon a three-tiered judging system for a very specific reason: Following the rules of the games, and having quality scenes that people care about, are just as important as making the audience laugh. Each judge rates each scene on a scale of 1-5, 5 being the best.

1. Narrative - Judges the Story. Do the characters DO something? Does the scene have a beginning, middle and end? Do they head towards the danger instead of talking about it? Do they have strong, believable, consistent characters? Is there an established location and environment?

2. Technical Judge - Judges the rules. Do they "Brown bag?" (Do they swear, make dirty comments, touch on subjects that would be inappropriate for a "Family Show"?) Do they follow the rules of the scene? (The simpler the rules, the more exactly they must follow them.) Are they consistent? Do they "Continue the illusion?" (Do they avoid walking through their own pantomimed furniture and doors?)

3. Entertainment - Judges entertainment value. How funny was the scene? Did they find the humor organically (or was it just a coupla guys telling jokes?) Honestly, was it really funny? How funny was it? Really? That's pretty funny.

Here's an introduction to technical judging, and the style of Theater Sports:
Watch the first 4:30


What is the brown bag? It's pretty simple:



An overview for the Narrative Judging:

First Clip: Exactly what NOT to do. These performers use gags and gimmicks instead of characters (very Monty Python), and it is obviously being driven by the interviewer. This scene should change dramatically when the interviewee says "So, do I have the job?" because the answer should be "Yes, and..." (or something equivalent) --so they can head towards an unfamiliar format and explore the possibilities. Another sign that something is very wrong is the length of the scene (7:00!) "You should always leave the audience wanting more." - Kieth Johnstone




An overview of Entertainment Judging:

This is fairly simplistic. Did you watch the above scenes? Did you find them funny? If you did, score them higher then the not-so-funny ones. End of story.

"Suggested" Reading

One thing that has always been agreed upon including in the Improv Bible, is a list of suggested reading. the unfortunate part is that it has required so much money to become a well read improviser. Thanks to the invention of the internet, and free press, so much information about improv can be found, and is continuing to be organized and cataloged into neat little packages.

If internet readings don't interest you, you can check out these excellent titles at your local library, or pick them up from the Yesand.com Store.

I will admit, after all the books that I've read, there are still two that I believe are best suited for the DMIL above all else:


The Truth in Comedy IMPRO

For all the Basic "Rules of Improv" For Creative Exploration

These books will give you the information necessary to try improv with a group. Warm-ups, trust games, and all the other things you could find on the internet, but would rather have in a portable paperback copy.

Another couple of interesting books that I've read are "Whose Improv is it Anyway?" A Perspective history of Improv with an emphasis on Women and Minorities, and "Directing Improv" An in depth look at all the things that should be done on and off the stage.

All of these books can be purchased through the Yesand.com Bookstore.

However, none of these books focus on the Improv Catch 22, which is that there is more money in teaching Improv, than there is in performing the Art itself. So, when it comes down to it, why do people pay hundreds of dollars on classes and books? Because they are invigorated by the Art of Play, and either don't want to take the time to teach themselves, or don't know they can teach themselves.

You, being a member of the DMIL, already understand the art of playing, and collaboratively sharing your imagination. By the time these writings are done, I hope that I can collect, organize, and compile enough information, that you will never have to pay to play.

Pictures

Not Larry.