Improvisation

Inspiration & Exploration

Improvisation is about saying "yes" — to your scene partner, to unexpected moments, and to yourself. Before you step on any stage, start by watching improv in action. Salt Lake City has an active improv community: check out Scripted Comedy at The Complex or look for shows at local theaters. On YouTube, watch clips from "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and search for "UCB improv scenes" to see long-form improv. Notice how performers listen to each other, build on each other's ideas, and recover from mistakes with a smile. Improv is less about being funny and more about being present. You're ready for the next step when you can describe two improv techniques you noticed performers using.

Tools & Techniques

The foundation of all improv is "Yes, And" — you accept what your partner offers (yes) and build on it (and). This simple rule keeps scenes moving and prevents the dead ends that happen when someone says "no" or denies what's happening. Practice it in conversation: whatever someone tells you, agree and add something. Learn a few basic improv exercises: "Word Association" (say the first word that comes to mind), "Two-Person Scene" (start a scene with one line and yes-and your partner), and "Gibberish" (make up a language and communicate emotion without real words). The Upright Citizens Brigade YouTube channel has free improv lesson videos. You're ready for the next step when you can sustain a two-minute yes-and conversation without breaking the pattern.

First Creations

Time to do improv with real people. Find a partner — a friend, family member, or coworker willing to play along — and run three short scenes of two to three minutes each. Use a simple premise to start: "you are a customer in an unusual store" or "you are two astronauts who just landed on a strange planet." Focus only on yes-and — don't worry about being funny. Record one of your scenes on your phone and watch it back. Notice where you said "no" or blocked your partner's ideas without realizing it. SLC's improv groups often have free drop-in beginner jams — search for local improv meetups online. You're ready for the next step when you've completed at least three two-person scenes and identified one habit you want to break.

Style Development

Now develop your personal improv style. Some improvisers are character actors — they find a distinct voice, posture, or attitude for each role. Others are storytellers who focus on narrative arcs. Others are relationship players who make every scene about two people connecting. Watch yourself on video and notice what you naturally do. Practice character work: walk around your room as five different characters — a tired postal worker, an overexcited chef, a suspicious librarian. Give each one a distinct walk, voice, and point of view. "Character before comedy" is a key improv principle: interesting characters are funnier than jokes. You're ready for the next step when you can play three distinct characters with clearly different physicality and voice.

Refine Your Craft

Go deeper into long-form improv structure. Short-form improv (like game shows) uses quick rules-based formats. Long-form improv builds extended scenes from a single suggestion. Learn the Harold — a classic long-form improv format with three groups of scenes connected by group games. Watch "The Harold" explained on YouTube by UCB or Second City. Practice "patterns and themes" — noticing what an audience suggestion makes you think of and building a whole set around that feeling. Attend an improv workshop or drop-in class in SLC — these are often low-cost or free for first-timers. You're ready for the next step when you can sustain a connected set of scenes for five minutes using one opening suggestion.

Portfolio Piece

Complete your final challenge and demonstrate your mastery.