Lessons in Improvisational Comedy - Play it don't say it' in improvisational comedy
Tip: Highlight text to annotate itX
On behalf of Expert Village, this is Paul Zuckerman with the cast of Chicago City Limits
here in New York City, and today I'm going to show you some techniques for improvisational
comedy. Theatre is a visual medium. To get your point across it's important to play the
idea, not just say the idea. Much more interesting if you play it, than say it. "I think you're
having an affair. I don't know what to do, I don't have any proof." "Well, if you don't
have any proof then I'm not going to say anything." "You're not hel... alright." Actually they're
both having affairs, but they shouldn't be talking about it. We should see this occur.
Let's see that scene happen when they're playing the idea, not just talking about it. "Look
at this e-mail! 'As soon as I can get rid of Joe, I'm yours forever.' Unbelievable!"
"I never meant for you to see that! We never meant to hurt you." "Well I mean to hurt you,
because we're divorcing, OK. You want him so bad, you can have him." "You're going to
regret this. As well as everything that led to this moment!"
