You have probably heard that it’s standard for those that want a career in comedy to do extensive training in improvisational technique. For a while, it seems that anyone that was anyone on the major comedy shows was once a member of the famed Second City, among other esteemed improv companies!
What if I told you that everyone that wanted any sort of performing career could benefit greatly from some improv training? It’s absolutely true! In this blog article, I am going to further explain how children, adults, teens, and even dramatic actors can gain valuable skills from this challenging yet very fun form of acting training.
Young Actors LOVE Improv
I work with actors of all ages, but I must tell you that the children go especially crazy for improv training. This past summer, I could not add enough classes to keep up with the demand!
First of all, the root of all improvisational technique is to not question, but to play and just let things happen. Therefore, it’s natural that young people find improv to be less of a challenge.
Children are less prone to second guessing themselves, and it’s a joy to see them come to life so quickly in various improv acting games and scenes.
One thing that improv really reinforces in young actors in particular is teamwork. Improv, both the exercises and the scenes themselves, require that you listen and observe. If you are an acting teacher wondering whether you should incorporate improv into your drama program for children, the answer is a giant “yes”!
Don’t worry if some of your performers aren’t naturally funny. They don’t have to be. This goes for adult and senior actors as well. You see, it’s not just about comedy! As previously mentioned, improv helps actors with other skills such as listening and observing. But what else?
Improv is GREAT for Adult Actors
When it comes to adults, I have found the biggest challenge is getting them to relax and stop being so analytical! This is not always easy. Improv can give your adult actors a permission slip to be silly.
I don’t care if you are doing something super serious, say, Othello….improv will make your actors more comfortable in their own skin, as well as more alert to what is going on within themselves and their cast mates.
In fact, it may be excellent practice to insist on some ridiculous improv acting activities/games before a rehearsal or performance for a more dramatic show. Dramatic shows can be especially draining for an actor, so improv can help your performers maintain balance and energy!
Teen Actors Can Take the Lead in Improv
Teen actors may be a little harder to lead to improv due to how self-conscious they may feel at first. This is understandable! My suggestion to you is that if you’re working with teen actors, that you let them lead. Read aloud the descriptions of some potential games (and let me tell you, Amazon has plenty of books available, as well as the excellent site Teachers Pay Teachers). Then, ask them what sounds appealing to them, and then take it from there.
It may also help if you jumped in and did the exercises with them until they start to loosen up and have fun, and I promise you that they will! Sure, since they’re teenagers they may still be reluctant for a while, and you may even have an actor or two that refuses to get into it, but it’s all in the approach. Let them make the choices. Improv training will give teenage actors a chance to stop worrying about what they look like. Soon they will realize, as all improvisers do, that if you’re going to make a choice- it’s best to make a clear, big one!
Improv can also lead shy people to performing in general.
There are lots of people out there that are not entirely sure what their “thing” is. Maybe they’ve tried sports, or piano…and aren’t too excited by either. Perhaps you are a community center, a religious institution or a school and wanting to provide more for your people. Here’s some excellent news for you: improv groups are VERY low budget! All you’ll need is a space to meet in, and these days you can absolutely meet virtually. After all, you just need a few materials for you, the teacher, and then just people to show up!
So, although improv training may seem like it’s an amazing tool for actors/performers…guess what? It can be good for…well…anyone who is interested! Benefits to non-performers are pretty great, too: increased confidence (apparent in voice and in body language), the ability to better express themselves…..and yes, many have found themselves to become perceived as funnier amongst their peers after the training.
It’s cheap, it’s simple, and it’s for everyone imaginable.
What are you waiting for? Whether you’re a drama program…or ANY sort of program….research a few simple games on the internet today and get something going! Good luck, and have fun!
Molly McLinden