The SoCap Improv Comedy Podcast

The SoCap Improv Comedy Podcast

by Ralph MacLeod

Improv Self-Improvement

Season 1

Is Mocking Some People Okay or Not Okay - REPEAT Episode 8

Improv has changed a lot in the 35 years since I started. One thing is that we are much more sensitive to people different than us and no longer mock people based on generalities about them. However, two areas have escaped that scrutiny and I have no idea why.

Dissonance in Comedy

Dissonance is a powerful tool that can grab your audiences attention and make them laugh whether that's on stage or at a dinner party.

The Actor/Character Duality

When in scenes, there is the actor and the character the actor/improviser is portraying. Sometimes, their goals are aligned but often they are not.

Why Is This So Boring?

There are many reasons a scene, or interaction, may be boring. Here are the top two reasons why scenes can be boring and make you want to gouge out your eyes.

Don't Stop The Action

Stopping the action, or business of the scene, is generally destructive for a number of reasons. Even if your character doesn't like what they're doing or being asked to do, finding a justification to let it happen, will usually serve you well.

Try the Opposite

If 'A' is true, the opposite is also, likely, true. Improv allows one an opportunity to role play different options to stimuli thus giving you a chance to 'try the opposite'. Maybe you'll like it better.

Call People Out on Their ^&$%

If someone, or another character, says or does something that doesn't make sense to you - ask them to clarify it.

Why Do We Laugh?

Laughter, especially laughter in your gut, is much more about bonding than appreciating the humour, or cleverness, of a line or situation.

Yes, And...: A Deeper Dive

What does it mean to 'Yes, and...'? It goes with what we're trying to actually DO when we improvise on stage and in real life.

Be a Benevolent God

As improvisers/storytellers, we get to create tertiary characters - people, animals, etc - and you will be judged based on how you treat your creations.

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