So we have now learned a lot of techniques, concepts and games in the classroom. But how can we take all of this and make it into a show?
BEGINNING – MIDDLE – END
Just like a good scene, a show has a beginning, middle and end. Great scripted shows tend to have a big opening or some sort of “hook” (A reason for the audience to keep watching). So we like to start with a game of high energy OR one that gets the audience used to the art of improvisation. Something musical or physical comes to mind. The middle allows us to take more chances and do some more subtle, clever, and/or trickier games. The end you want to leave the crowd thinking “wow!” So again something big, perhaps your highest energy piece, physical and/or musical.
TRANSITIONS
If you have seen EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH, you may remember the “TAXI? YO!” rule. The MC teaches the crowd to respond “YO!” after a players finishes a scene by yelling “TAXI!” This gives the audience another way to get involved and ensures a high-energy finish to every scene. There is no one way to design a show, but it is very important to plan for quick paced ways to start, finish and transition scenes. You can easily loose you audience in these precious moments. After a scene get off stage quick. Have an MC start a new game ASAP or sooner. Enter scenes with purpose. Never let the audience see you uninterested on stage.
REHEARSAL
Design and rehearse your opening moments, transitions and closing of your show or set (mini show part of a large event). Even rehearse you bows. Rehearse game forms so teammates are on the same page. Especially when working with players with different backgrounds. Many schools and teams play numerous games, each with their own variations. Never assume!!! I took a directing class back in college. For my final scene one of the actors totally blanked for about 20 seconds. This time felt like a year or more. The teacher said the fault was mine for not preparing the actors – AKA lack of rehearsal. In Improv, we need to be confident to open our hearts and minds. Be prepared and work out all the details so you feel free to create on stage.
TECH / DRESS REHEARSAL
Pretend this is the real deal. Incorporate lights and sound and other elements that will be in place when the audience is attending. Write a set list (List of games in show order with assigned cast and MC). Post the set list backstage left and right where cast can see. Take notes; discuss successes and failures.
THE BUSINESS
The fun part. Arrange for a venue. Make poster and flyers. Organize house management (tickets and seating for audience). These days SOCIAL MEDIA is priceless!!! Split op the duties among the troupe. No one likes to do the business of theater. Help out the team so the that show is awesome. Performing without an audience is not very fun so all should spend some time promoting on Facebook, Twitter, and dropping flyers and posters where ever possible.
Mr. Frasier has appeared on film, TV, Commercials and the Live theaer and is currently the director of intruction for the COMEDY HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION (www.comedyhalloffame.com) See Walt Frasier live in Times Square and touring nationwide in Improv Comedy Troupe EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH. (www.eightimprov.biz)
