CHAPTER 12

IMPROVISATION IN DIFFERENT ARTFORM

Improvisation

• Improvise when you act creatively and spontaneously without much preparation ( Merriam Webster s
Dictionary ).

• (also known as improv, impro or impromptu) has been a component of performance since the beginning
of Ancient Greek theatre with the improvisation by the leader of the dithyrambs (Brockett ,13 in
Scott,2014).

Improvisation Techniques

1. Improvised Music

2. Improvised Dance

3. Improvised Design

4. Improvised Theater/Drama

5. Improvised Problem Solving

Types of Improvisational Theater

Most of the things happening in our real lives are not scripted; they are impromptu or improvised.

Types/Genres

Comedy Dramatic

Non-Comedy Narrative-Based

Experimental
Contact Body Improvisation

5 rhythms are;

1. Flowing

2. Staccato

3. Chaos

4. Lyrical

5. Stillness

Sound Improvisation

This part introduce you to how sound is made extempore as presenting an improvised sound in any play or
theatrical presentation.

Theater Improvisation

We have already mastered improvised body contact and music.

Five Distinctive Approaches to Improvisation

1. Basic Performance Improvisation

2. Devised Theater

3. Applied Theater

4. Drama in the classroom (Creative Drama)

5. Improvisation as Scripted Theater Rehearsal

Solving Improvisational Challenges

A. Identifying the Pivotal Word

B. Recovering Language Sensibility

C. Controlling the Trouble Step

D. Going to the Extreme

The Theater Elements

1. The Script

2. The Director

3. Cast

4. Characterization

5. Rehearsals

6. Stage Business

7. Scenery

8. Properties

9. Costumes

10. Theatrical Makeups

11. Curtain call

Stage Performers

Stage Performers include the antagonist, the protagonist, the leading character or one of the major
characters in drama , movie, novel, or other fictional literary work ;
Who behind the Scenes in a Theater?

1. Director

2. Stage Manager

3. Music and Sound Effects Person

4. Musicians (optional )

5. Prompters

6. Prop and Scenery Committee

7. Light Committee

8. Make-up Artists

9. Wardrobe Mistress

Important Reminders

In theater production the following are important reminders for the success show;

1. There should be cooperation, unity and teamwork within the group;

2. Dress rehearsals should be done before the final performance;

3. Character look test should be administered;

4. Strict implementation of the rehearsal dates and the rules and regulations of the entire production; and

5. The final and actual performance with make-ups , costumes and props.