Posted by Ben Swoboda on Monday, January 23, 2012,
In :
Improv in Life
I found this fascinating, considering what we do. This neurologist studied the differences between of memorized rap and jazz versus improvised versions. The scientist admits that is all preliminary research, but watch it anyway and see if you think you can make some logical leaps to theatrical improv.
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Saturday, October 22, 2011,
In :
Performance tips
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.
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Wednesday, January 12, 2011,
In :
Performance tips
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... Continue reading ...
A group of MBA students at MIT’s Sloan School of Management
tossed aside their briefcases and book bags this month to flex their
creative muscles, doing everything from playing an imaginary game of
soccer to inventing office conflicts. The second-year MBA students were
participating in a leadership class called “Improvisational Leadership:
In the Moment Leadership Skills,” accordi...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, December 17, 2010,
In :
Performance tips
"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... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, December 10, 2010,
In :
Performance tips
Don’t Give Up on
Paris Hilton
“Achievement
seems to be connected with action. Successful
men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”
When Conrad
Hilton spoke those words, he probably did not
imagine that his great-great granddaughter Paris would one day become a
celebulante, renowned for her mistakes. But let’s put all the dross from
her
history aside. What has she been able to accomplish with her status and
money
by 2011?
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, December 3, 2010,
In :
Performance tips
Hello Doctor. I submit for you today Exhibit A, B and C. Exhibit A Most of us have had anxiety dreams. Ever had dream where you walk into class to take an exam and you realize you did not study? Or better yet, show up to perform the lead role in a play and realize you do not know your lines?
Exhibit B If you improvise, you probably have had a conversation that goes something like this:
OTHER PERSON: So where are you going? YOU: Improv rehearsal. OP: Improv rehearsal? Y: Yes OP: I... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, November 19, 2010,
In :
Performance tips
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 ... Continue reading ...
It makes you grateful that someone saw the value of having an improv comedian here. Also, it makes you wonder about real-world (although, arguably "real-world" might be stretching it here) applications of improv outside of theatrical improv.
These performers are being asked to step into a situation where they have no script, no background, think on their feet and be fun... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, November 12, 2010,
In :
Host
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 ... Continue reading ...
So you want to start your very own improv team - the first
question is usually "Who's gonna be on it?" The answer is deceptively
simple - the best people to have on your team are those who you find
interesting. People who make you laugh. People who you genuinely enjoy
being around. Your friends!
Improv is built on play, and just like in
childhood, we're best suited playing with our friends. Don't have any
friends in your local improv community? Make some! Take a class...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Tuesday, November 9, 2010,
In :
Host
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... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Monday, November 8, 2010,
In :
Host
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... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Saturday, November 6, 2010,
In :
Host
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 ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, November 5, 2010,
In :
Host
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...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Wednesday, October 27, 2010,
In :
Notes
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... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Friday, October 22, 2010,
In :
Notes
"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... Continue reading ...
Posted by Ben Swoboda on Tuesday, October 19, 2010,
In :
Notes
You always have to fear for captains of academic improv teams.
With little or no leadership experience, they have to learn how to guide a group of A) peers B) students C) improvisers.
That kind of person A) does not automatically accept their leader B) questions everything C) intentionally accelerates their wits.
That personality profile would unnerve most seasoned leaders of 40+ years of age, but that's the job description for a relative rookie to handle. But hey, it's an awesome opportunit... Continue reading ...
