Never get stuck in an improv scene. Strategies for when you are feeling stuck or unsure of what to do:
People often ask this in improv class, wondering what to do when they are feeling “stuck” in an improv scene, so they can move things forward. I hope this article can provide some ideas, tools, and strategies for dealing with this situation and help you contribute something new to your scenes.
Never get “stuck” in an improv scene. Here are some strategies for when you are feeling stuck or unsure of what to do:
- Vomit information:
“Vomiting information” means to spontaneously share a large amount of information, often in rapid succession. In an improv scene, this can be a useful strategy to quickly establish new details, relationships, or backstory. By providing this additional context, you can generate new ideas and directions for the scene to progress. It can also help you and your scene partner move past a moment of uncertainty, as it gives both of you more material to work with.
2. Have a big emotional reaction
Having a big emotional reaction means to express a strong, often exaggerated, emotional response to something that happens in the scene. This can be a powerful way to break free from feeling stuck, as it instantly adds energy and intensity to the scene. A big emotional reaction can also create new opportunities for your scene partner to react or build upon, further driving the scene forward. Additionally, strong emotions can provide a clear motivation for your character, making it easier to navigate the scene and make choices.
3. Pause and take a breath while looking at your partner
Pausing and taking a breath while looking at your partner is a useful strategy for refocusing and reconnecting with the scene. This moment of stillness allows both you and your scene partner to gather your thoughts, process what has happened so far, and assess the current dynamics of the scene. By maintaining eye contact with your partner during this pause, you are also reinforcing the connection between your characters, which can lead to more authentic interactions and responses. Taking a breath can also help ground you in the present moment, making it easier to let go of any uncertainty or self-doubt and fully engage with the scene.
4. Ask open-ended questions
Encourage your scene partner to provide more information by asking open-ended questions. This can help stimulate new ideas and move the scene forward.
5. Establish a strong character or relationship
Developing a well-defined character or relationship with your scene partner can provide a solid foundation for the scene, making it easier to respond to new situations and ideas.
6. Use physicality
Incorporate physical movement or gestures into the scene to create new dynamics and open up fresh opportunities for interaction and exploration.
7. Callback to previous moments
Refer back to earlier moments in the scene or other scenes from the same performance. This can provide a sense of continuity and deepen the audience’s engagement.
8. Embrace silence
Allowing moments of silence can give you and your scene partner time to process what has happened so far and find new avenues to explore.
9. Make a bold choice
Sometimes making a bold or unexpected choice can shift the energy of a scene, providing new inspiration and direction for both you and your scene partner.
10. Establish a clear environment
Defining the environment in which the scene takes place can provide context, inspire actions, and create opportunities for interaction with the imagined surroundings.
11. Focus on your partner’s needs
Instead of feeling stuck in your own thoughts, focus on your partner’s needs, and find ways to support their character or ideas. This can help you to feel more connected and engaged in the scene.
12. Use repetition
Repeating a word, phrase, or action can create a pattern, which can then be broken or modified to create new possibilities within the scene.
By practicing these strategies and adding them to your improviser’s tool belt, you can build confidence in your ability to navigate any scene, no matter how uncertain or challenging it may seem. Remember, the key to successful improv is embracing the unknown and supporting your scene partners in the journey.
