Planned Improvisations
Below are Samples from “The Impro Teachers Kit”
When you pre-order this fantastic resource you you will automatically receive a 50% discount on that purchase, the complete section on Improvisation from “Organised Chaos: A Very Practical Guide to Drama Teaching” and these sample exercises from “The Impro Teachers Kit” in a form that you can print out and use as individual cards.
ANIMAL TRANSFORMATIONS
Ask players to get into groups of 4 or 5. Ask them to work out a simple scene involving a family having a meal or a group of friends in a restaurant. Ask them to create a simple climax for the scene. E.g. Someone realises they are late for a date or meeting and they rush off or there is an argument with a waiter over the bill. Ask them to play the scene three different ways: First as human beings; secondly as humans with animal characteristics.(each one should be a different animal); thirdly as animals doing human things; finally ask them to play the scene starting as humans but gradually transforming into complete animals by the end of the scene.
DOUBLE PLAYER DEMONSTRATIONS
Divide the group into pairs. Each pair forms one character. One player stands or sits on a chair with arms behind his/her back, and provides the body and voice. The second player stands/kneels behind the chair and provides the arms. Players need to devise a scene where some process is being demonstrated. E.g. the application of make-up, making pancakes etc. This exercise should be done over two sessions to allow players to gather whatever props they need for the demonstration.
Required: time for players to gather props for the exercise
FAIRYTALE
Divide the players into groups of 5 or 6. Groups should either improvise on an existing fairytale or create their own fairytale.
Optional: have some suitable costumes and props available
FILM LAMPOON
Divide players into group of 4 or 5. Give a different film genre to each group, but give them the same theme or title. Groups are given 15 to 20 minutes to develop a scene from the film.
Suggested genres: spy movie, western, romantic comedy, police drama, horror, thriller, silent movie, sci-fi, action, European art film, gangster.
FIRST LINE LAST LINE
Divide players into groups of 4 or 5. Give them a first line and an unrelated last line for the scene. The scene begins and ends with these lines. Allow time for them to develop the scene
FRACTURED FAIRYTALE
Divide players into groups of 5 or 6. Ask them to choose an existing fairytale and ‘fracture’ it. That is give it a modern setting and explore the humour of it etc. This exercise could be developed over a number of sessions.
ODD OBJECTS
Players are divided into groups. Several unrelated objects are given to each group. The objects should all be incorporated into an improvised scene. E.g. pencil, mixing bowl, thermometer, gun, walking stick, orange.
OLD PEOPLES HOME
Divide players into groups of 3 or 4. The scene is set inside an old peoples’ home. All the players have difficulty hearing with creates ‘classic’ communication problems that have to be worked through.
PROGRAM TAKEOFFS
Divide players into groups of 4 or 5. Discuss what a ‘takeoff” involves. Each group decides on a T.V. program they are going to ‘takeoff’ and spends about half an hour preparing their work. It may be necessary to discuss suitable techniques as a whole group prior to teams working on their impro.
RITUAL
Divide players into groups. Discuss the concept of ritual e.g. Japanese Tea Ceremony. Give players everyday activities that they have to turn into a ritual.
ROBOT INTERVIEW
Divide the group into pairs.
One partner must be a robot interviewer and the other a robot s/he is interviewing. Players must try to become robots both physically and vocally. There may be several reasons for the interview. Some suggested starting lines.
- I hear you’ve just been voted robot of the year, why?
- Your previous owners reported difficulties working with you. Why?
- We have had some reports that you have had some serious malfunctions; please explain.
- Tell us about your recent space flight to Mars.
For a complete set of games, exercises and resources for teaching improvisation look at “The Impro Teachers Kit”
Harry Tawse | 
July 19, 2009 9:33 am
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