Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
“I can't stress enough how acting out the scenes and fi lming myself on a web cam
helped....it is so helpful in getting both the broad strokes as well as subtleties of
performance.”
—Mark Shira
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play
instinct.”
—Carl Jung
Improvisation is unscripted, uninhibited play to discover something “new.”
When actors
need to fi nd the reality of a scene, explore a character's motivation, work out an ending,
or even when they are “stuck,” they rely on improvisation. Improvising a scene helps you
get at its heart, for it can move you beyond the current limits of your imagination into new
territory. Also, by freeing themselves from restrictions in the script and playing the intentions
and actions, the actor will discover unique gestures and movement choices that are particular
to their character. Steve Smith, director of the Big Apple Circus, author, and lecturer says,
“I use improvisation all the time. It gives adults permission to play; to get into the sandbox
and discover and uncover the 6-year-old inside of them—the innocence and naiveté that is
the fountainhead of creativity. It is the truth.”
• When improvising, remember to use your objectives, intentions, and actions.
• Let yourself be unedited as you explore the story. Kick. Stomp the fl oor. Giggle too
loud. Cry. Experience rage. You can only discover something new if you move past
your limits.
• Remember that self-consciousness is antithetical to the creative process. If you get
embarrassed (like Mark Shira), stop for a moment and record that process as an emo-
tional recall memory in your Actor Notebook.
