Improvisational Styles
To some paintings are just paintings. To others they break painting into styles, such as Realism, Impressionism, Cubism, etc. To some improv is just improv. To me there is a big difference between different styles of improv. And just like art, I have my preferences, but there is no “right” style.
In my last post I wrote about the differences between “Improvisational Theater” and “Improv Comedy”.
Form is what sets improv theater apart from improv comedy. We are not stand ups doing improvised jokes. We are players doing improvised theater.
Some people have asked me to further explain the difference as I see it. I think both most improvisation plays for laughs, but I think the mindset can be very different between the two styles. So here is what I think are some of the different mind sets, in very general terms:
Improv Comedy is static.
Improvisational Theater is about change.Improv Comedy is about little moments, or big moments downplayed.
Improvisational Theater is about BIG moments, or small moments blown out of proportion .Improv Comedy is about thinking.
Improvisational Comedy is about feeling.Improv Comedy uses wit, cleaver word play, ideas the players have thought of previously to get the laugh.
Improvisational Theater uses character’s honest reactions to elicit a reaction.Improv Comedy utilizes patterns, games, black outs and one line scenes.
Improvisational Theater is based on the discovery, relationship, and change.Improv Comedy there are no characters. The player is always the same personae in every scene.
Improvisational Theater players have different, unique characters based on some aspect of the players personality in each and every scene.Improv Comedy the goal is laughter.
Improvisational Theater the goal is connecting to the moment, the feeling, and other players.Improv Comedy the environment is a way to get a laugh.
Improvisational Theater the environment has an effect on the relationship in the moment.Improv Comedy players will call out the ‘mistakes’ on stage to get a laugh.
Improvisational Theater players will build on and enhance “mistakes” to make them truth.
I have seen pure Improv Comedy, but it is rare to see pure Improvisational Theater. Even in the structure of an improvised play, it is often too tempting for the player to get the quick laugh at the expense of the piece. Most long forms are a combination of the two styles.
To some Improv is just Improv, but when I see (or perform) moments of Improvisational Theater it always stays with me. I can remember every beat, reaction, and line. They linger with me like great art, beautiful music and amazing food.
What style do you like?