The Magic of Improvisation

The magic of improvisation doesn't happen because you did or did not follow rules.

Perhaps you've already experienced it. Either by choice or hap­penstance, I'll bet you had a great character that couldn't say a word without getting affirmation from the audience (usually a laugh).

You were in a zone, totally out of your head, and hitting every line and action. What you were doing, if you think about it (it's hard to because it was a good scene), is improvising from a character or point of view that was never violated (you didn't bail) but was exploited for all it was worth. Everything that came out of your mouth was funny because it was filtered through that character or disposition you created. It feels like magic. It was really your choice at work. Something you created. Something you recognized. And something you played.

4 "What About My Partner!"

At this point, what I've described may appear to be a very selfish way to improvise.

Improvisers are told, "Support your partner" from the moment the scene starts and throughout. I know I was always told that, from the very first improv class I ever took. And here I have you creating something for yourself first and then assessing what it is and holding on to your own initiation and heightening it. Where does the partner come in?

What happened to all that feel-good improv support? It looks like you are taking care of yourself first. Indeed, that is exactly what 1 recommend.

Take Care of Yourself First.

If the first thought in your head when you approach an improv scene ; "Support your partner" and that's what you hold to be most impor­tant, then I ask . . .

What are you supporting them with?

Are you supporting them with thoughts about supporting them? That's very nice but not very supportive. It's so easy to say, "Support your partner." I've heard it for years: "Make your partner look good." But what the hell does it mean? Do you say nice things to them, do you uber-agree, do you pat them on the head, offer them a chair, rub their shoulders? No, the most supportive thing you can do is get over your pasty self and selfishly make a strong choice in the scene. Then you are supporting your partner with your power, and not your fear.

If you want to support your partner in an improv scene, give them the gift of your choice. I only feel supported by my partners if they make a move, if they do something. If they just stand there and look at me thinking about supporting me, I am absolutely unsupported. The more powerful a choice they make, the more I am supported.

"Support your partner" is a two-penny phrase that quite often makes improvisers weak. It's in the realm of "Isn't improvisation a nice nice fantasy land where everyone is magical and nice and supportive?"

That's all nice. But it makes for improvisation where people con­stantly acquiesce their power and never make a move.

I'll say it again.

You want to support your partner? Do something now.

They'll feel supported, believe me. They will also be grateful. No one likes weak pandering, especially your audience.

Two people making strong choices is nothing but supportive.

After a great scene, improvisers don't feel wonderful because they were in the scene thinking the words "Support my partner." They were in the space they created, listening to their partner and fil­tering every word or action response through the character or point of view.

Another way you can support your partner is to keep your own choice intact once you've made it. Adhere to and heighten the char­acter or point of view that you have created. You do neither yourself nor your partner good if you create something and then switch up, bail, change your mind out of fear, or drop an initiation you've made in the scene. Stick to the powerful choice you have created and you will most definitely support your partner.