This is the last of the series created from a brief survey sent to experienced improvisers. The goal is to provide tips for newcomers to improv, so they can get different perspectives. Although there is a lot of info here, it's all valuable. My suggestion: just focus on something from the list that resonates with you. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming.

What advice do you want to share about getting comfortable and "up to speed" with performing?

Improv is like walking a tight rope with a net bel...

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This is a great article describing how businesses, military, and scientists are all starting to bail on PowerPoint-style presentations in favor of a more engaging, interactive, style. What is interesting is the value of improvisational skills required by the "new" approach.

My favorite excerpt:

• Andrew Askew, an assistant professor of physics at Florida State University... admits the presentations[without PowerPoint] are now considerably longer.... It's also been harder to find speakers, because...

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Do you trust yourself onstage yet?

I hope the answer is yes, but let's get real. It's not always going to be that way. Some days are better than others and there's no explanation for it. Self doubt comes like a thief in the night.

I was sitting in a meeting today, peering down at the agenda, and realized - gadzooks - I might be expected to present something here. My mind clouded and I started fumbling around on my laptop, rapidly gathering information I might need to sound like a coherent pers...
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162 games in the regular season. The game ends either after nine innings, or after a tie ends, whichever comes first. And what do the innings consist of? 90% of the game is an interaction between a batter, a pitcher, and a catcher that goes like this: Pitch. Catch.

Occasionally, there is a swing. Only about 1 out of 4 at bats result in a batter getting on base. According to the ERA or the average starting pitcher, each team will probably score 4 runs or fewer, per game.

People call this a bori...
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August is approaching and with it, new improvisors. Would you please comment here with some advice for the beginning improvisor?

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Missouri Thespian Conference was, as always, very rewarding. One of the perks of being an improv coach is getting to "Prov It Up" with hundreds of excited students. It's a privilege.

Steven Vance and I ran Improv Bootcamp, which uses pace as a tool for getting instincts and heart (or, as Steven likes to call it, Micro and Meta) to think in sync. So scenes were done a hyper-speed and in awkward, slow, pensive speed.

What did we learn?

1. Slow scenes are better when the relationships are about rel...
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"Imagine you are a child standing on a sidewalk, watching your parents in a parade. They are walking along, handing out treats. You are very excited to see your heroes come closer and your heart pounds as you anticipate the chance to nab one of the candies that comes from them. But withing a few feet, you are shocked to see they only give candy to specific people. In fact, they are ignore many of the parade watchers, and they only give candy to specific adults - people who trade knowing winks...
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In general, you are confident. You always choose your words wisely and delivery them eloquently. When people describe you, they use words like classy, composed, and posed. When you walk into the room, other people smile your way because - gosh darn it - you make them feel better about themselves, just by proximity.

What is above describes no one I know.

I have known people who come close to this description in one way or another, but when you get down to it, we're all broken people. It's part ...
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Dry-run the introductions to a show about a few times to the satisfaction of the artistic director.

This is another step in preparing to be solid at one of the "Ringleader" positions.

The beginning - the period of time when the audience meets you, the performers, your format, and even improv - is going to set the tone for the whole evening. It's just like any interpersonal introduction: it has a tendency to steer how the rest of the relationship is going to go. The introductions of your shows ...
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Prove memorization of essential, scripted pieces

I have found it helpful, when building a solid program for the nominated Ringleaders to go through a kind of oral exam. They need to do the homework and they need to prove they can recite their scripted pieces to their team. Whether that means having the group gather around with flash cards for "Intro," "Chain Murder Mystery," etc. or having a tenured Host "haze" a newbie Host one-on-one by having them blitz through their lines, it doesn't matte...
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This is a continuation of the series on how a beginner can be a good "Ringleader" which I have defined as anyone who does Host, Emcee, Lights, or Sound roles.

"Go through a series of training rehearsals"

Two things to get out of this immediately: 1) Series 2) Training.

1.) Series of rehearsals - You cannot learn what you need to do overnight. You cannot learn it by watching. You cannot learn it by reading about it. You can only learn how to be a Ringleader by doing, and the safest way is with r...
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Not everyone has aptitude they think they are good at.

Let's look at American Idol as an example. Time after time, Simon and Co have to tell aspiring pop-stars that they are, actually, terrible singers. It's become a cliche scene in reality television for someone to rage at the judges, begging for another chance, fall out, break into tears, etc. It's because they have deluded themselves into thinking they have a talent they do not have.

So when school improv teams are getting started, beware ...
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I'm reaching out to Hosts and Emcees. Two slightly different terms for people with similar goals.

•  "Host" is usually a name that is bestowed on a member of a house group. The Host is usually a short-form device. All of their functions fall within a single show or scene - They introduce the game(s), often keep score, set time limits, solicit suggestions from the audience, etc.
• Emcee is someone who acts as the through-line for a series of sets. There might be several groups performing, but the em...

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First, the lecture part....

Respect for authority is not really the first virtue someone thinks of when they picture the stereotypical improviser. I had a boss who, knowing I coached improv, took me aside and told me a story. In hushed tones, she recounted a tale of some improv-pals her niece brought over for Thanksgiving. She described their behavior as nightmarish - not paying attention, rude, unfocused... you know the type. She was concerned for my well being, knowing you (the ubiquitous yo...
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"All in the Timing" is a great theme for captains to live by. There are several issues in regards to timing that a captain has to keep in mind for notes. I always liked leaders who were capable of delivering that golden nugget of information when it would be seen for what it is - a golden nugget. At high noon, it shines best. Delivered at night, the nugget is just another stone.

So here are some timing questions to consider. Hopefully, you can answer yes to all these questions before giving t...
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