Improv Circuit Training
Running this rehearsal like a workout
Most improv practices start with a bit of a check in, then a warm up or two or three. Then warm up scenes. Then a set with notes. There’s value to that but always having the same structure to practice can make it feel rote.
What if we ran one practice like circuit training? What if we ran a series of exercises and a tight schedule? It’d be fun to do different exercises in different areas of a rehearsal space like a weight room or a cross-fit gym. You could endow each space with that exercise, even use post its or spike tape to delineate the spaces.
Just as you do different exercises to work different muscle groups, choose exercises that specifically work various improv skills. Do 3 rounds of these exercises. The first round, run each exercise for 5 minutes. Round 2, 3 minutes. Round 3, 1 minute. Take 30 second breaks in between each round to reset, get water, side coach. A 10 exercise circuit, 3 rounds with 30 second breaks will take a full 2-hour practice. You could do something like this:
Modified Zip Zap Zop- yes, and/play
No questions- making statements
You seem scenes- starting with emotional observation
Character monologues- Playing characters
Let’s go!- building stage picture as a group
ABC Bodies- nonverbal agreement
Magic Ball-object work
3 line scenes- base reality
Count 1 to 20- focus/group mind
Premise lawyer- Justifications
The coach’s job is to keep things moving, energetic, and focused. To start the practice, introduce the idea to the performers. Show them the areas and briefly explain the exercises and the focuses. Tell them just like with a workout, each exercise is designed to work a specific improv muscle. Then hop right in. If you have a stopwatch, bring it! Watch the clock fiercely. The limitations are part of the fun of this practice. Take a 30 second break in between each exercise. Use that break to announce the next exercise, where in the room you want them to do the exercise, and one or two things to focus on. Count down the last 5 seconds of each break and each exercise.
When the circuit is done, be done. No notes. Often at the end of a practice, we want to reflect. That’s useful but I vote for this practice there’s only side-coaching, no big note session at the end. Let’s see what that does.
Speaking of taking time off from reflection. I’m going to take next week off from posting. It’s the Del Close Marathon at UCB and I’m hoping that, as in DCMs past, the week takes weird, wild, and surprising turns. See you back 6/19!
Upcoming Shows:
Asssscat at UCB Saturday, June 6 8:30pm Livestream
Harold Night Time Machine with Higgins! at UCB Tuesday, June 9 7:00pm Livestream
Teacher Feature at DCM Friday, June 12 4:00pm
Upcoming Classes and Workshops:
DCM Workshop- The Handshake Friday, June 12 at 6pm
UCB Improv 201 starting Wednesday, June 17 3:30-6:30 pm
UCB Improv 101 starting Wednesday, June 24 7:00-10:00pm