Improvisational theatre, often called improvisation or improv, is the form of theatre, often comedy, in

which most or all of what is performed is unplanned or unscripted, created spontaneously by the
performers.

History

The earliest well-documented use of improvisational theatre in Western history is found in the Atellan
Farce of 391 BC. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, commedia dell'arte performers improvised based
on a broad outline in the streets of Italy. In the 1890s, theatrical theorists and directors such as the
Russian Konstantin Stanislavski and the French Jacques Copeau, founders of two major streams of acting
theory, both heavily utilized improvisation in acting training and rehearsal.
MODERN

Modern theatrical improvisation games began as drama exercises for children, which were a staple of
drama education in the early 20th century thanks in part to the progressive education movement
initiated by John Dewey in 1916. Some people credit American Dudley Riggs as the first vaudevillian to
use audience suggestions to create improvised sketches on stage. Improvisation exercises were
developed further by Viola Spolin in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, and codified in her book Improvisation For
The Theater.

Philippine Comedy: Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT)

SPIT MANILA otherwise known as Silly People’s Improv Theater. Branded to be an intelligent,
interactive, and immersive improv comedy, SPIT has been uplifting the hearts of many with their
hilarious jokes, witty comments, and impromptu remarks. Established by Gabe Mercado and his
friends in 2002, SPIT has performed in numerous events, restaurants and venues all over the
country.
https://youtu.be/SGLgQW5qCyg?si=u5RY-uM50eNctg1s

 Improvisational theatre often allows an interactive relationship with the audience. Improv
groups frequently solicit suggestions from the audience as a source of inspiration, a way of
getting the audience involved, and as a means of proving that the performance is not
scripted. That charge is sometimes aimed at the masters of the art, whose performances can
seem so detailed that viewers may suspect the scenes are planned.
 In order for an improvised scene to be successful, the improvisers involved must work
together responsively to define the parameters and action of the scene, in a process of co-
creation.

5 STRATEGIES IN TEACHING IMPROVISATION

1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

The first step in teaching improvisation is to create a safe and supportive environment for your students.
Encourage them to take risks and make mistakes without fear of judgment or ridicule. Students need to
trust each other and know that their ideas are being supported, watch our useful video on using the Yes,
And technique to learn more.

2. Start with Simple Ice Breaker Exercises

Begin with simple exercises that focus on listening, responding, and staying in the moment.

3. Build on Basic Improv Techniques

There are a number of basic improv exercises that you can introduce to your students to help with their
initial understanding. Once your students are comfortable with basic exercises, you can begin to build on
those techniques. For example, you could introduce different genres or styles of improvisation, such as
short-form, where shows are made up of short scenes perhaps using audience suggestions, or long-form
improv which is a continuous piece inspired from a suggestion at the start. You could also begin to
incorporate props or costumes to inspire creativity.

4. Encourage Student Collaboration

Improvisation is a collaborative art form, so it's important to encourage your students to work together.
Emphasize the importance of supporting each other's ideas and building on them, rather than trying to
‘win’ or be the star of the show.

5. Reflect and Debrief

Make time for reflection and debriefing after each improvisation exercise or performance. Ask your
students what worked well, what could be improved, and what they learned. Encourage them to give
and receive constructive feedback, and to celebrate their successes.