CORE Improv

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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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...
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