In every story (movie, play, book), we get to know the main characters at the beginning, also known as the exposition. In improvisation, THE WHO refers to both the characters AND the relationships of the scene. Making a big choice regarding THE WHO will help you determine where to go with the scene.
CHARACTER is determined by numerous factors. Think about all of the elements that make you YOU. Name, age, shape, size, physical enhancements / disabilities, upbringing, job, occupation, friends, enemies, family etc. WHen creating characters, dive deep into who you are. If you have reoccuring characters (LIKE MY JIMMY – LMAO) take some time and think about the history of the character, like you would for a scripted work. The more specific you get, the stronger your character choice. The stronger your character choice, the easier it will be to continue a scene.
Before entering stage MAKE A CHOICE!!! Say to yourself, this character will stand out because ________ (Physical, emotional, vocal or other trait) If you can make three choices. In acting 101 I always tell actors to choose thrre things that make the character different from you. Habitual Gesture, Reoccuring pain, glasses, hat, favorite jacket etc.
“BREATH=EMOTIONS=TEXT=CHARACTER” (Roberta Gasbarre)
The best actors start everything with THE BREATH. Just like in the pantomime exercises, let the breath and emotion fill the scene. This will connect you to the action.
RELATIONSHIPS
In Improvisation, the relationships of the characters are actually more important than the individuals. The relationships give audiences a reason to care about the scene. How do these characters know each other?
Try starting every scene with a simple statement that establishes the relationship. Watch how quickly the audience comed along for the ride.
“Hey mom, I lost my keys again.”
“I miss you Suzie. You have not talked to me since Prom Night.”
“You are a great Personal Trainor, btu I really am not looking for a boy friend right now.”
“Sorry, Bob, putting my trash out late today. Oh, and I lost my job so there will be no Christmas Bonuses this year.”
If a scene partner gave these first line to you you would have a wealth of directions to go.
REMEMBER ACTING 101:Substitution
As soon as you establish a relationship, imagine you are really in that relationship. Endow real consideration and emotion into that relationship. Imagine your own Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Teacher, Boss, Boyfriend, Girl Friend, EX, etc The more you believe it, the more the audience will believe it.
REMEMBER YES AND!!!
You might have a GRAND idea as you enter the stage. If your scene partner beats you to the punch, you may have to switch gears a bit or perhaps completely. That is part of being in the moment. If that is the case, take a breath. “Yes, I am a farmer form Brazil. Love growing those nuts….”
EXERCISE 1) WORLD’s WORST… : team lines up around CENTERSTAGE. Step DOWNSTAGE and create characters on the spot reflecting the world’s worst person to perform a task or be in a situation. (ex WORLD”S WORST CHEF/ TEACHER/ OFFICER… or WORLD’s WORST thing to hear see or do at a WEDDING/ BIRTHDAY PARTY/ GRADUATION …) (Variation – Try WORLD’s BEST…)
EXERCISE 2) EMOTIONAL HITCHHIKING – Four players are assigned emotions. Player one is driving a car exemplifying the given emotion. Player two enters the car. Both players now take on new emotion. Repeat for players three and four, then exit car in reverse order. (Get a type of car and destination form audience)
EXERCISE 3) FREEZE TAG – Two players begin a scene downstage of the rest of the team. MC yell’s “FREEZE”. Pleyer three taps out and replaces assuming the exact physical position of one of the two players. A new scene and new characters begin inspired by the physical position.
FURTHER STUDY: Observe real people in the real world. Notice physical and personality traits to the characters in your real life. Notice how relationships affect the characters and situations.
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)
