Last night's show went well. Even though it was a Friday night, there were only 30-35 audience members, which isn't great, but it is about the average for every group in town at their shows, so I can't complain too much. I got to be the "DJ." This stands for Designated Jokester. You basically play in every game. This may sound like a great thing, but being somewhat new still at
What did I learn? Communication is key. Everyone in the show should discuss what games are going to be played and if everyone in the show knows how to play them. If they don't know how to play them, then give them a great description, or pick something else. Am I wrong here? Is it improv if you plan out the games before the show? I don't think it is a good idea to just pick games as you go, unless everyone in the show is experienced with all of the games. Does anyone know how ComedySportz does it in
2 comments:
Keith, you did a fine job as the DJ, so I wouldn't stress over it too much. I think there are (at least) 2 schools of thought when it comes to picking games beforehand. There are those that feel that believe that you still have no idea what will happen in your scene regardless of which games you pick, so it's still improv. Then there are those who feel that everything should spontaneous and in the moment right down to what game they play. I'm sure there are audience members who would feel like it was pre-planned if they knew that teams chose a game ahead of time. So, in that regard I suppose it just all comes down to perspective since we all know that no one is relaying plot, characters, or dialog to the rest of their team.
As long as you're not discussing your game in front of your audience, I don't believe it really matters, rather it's just a personal preference. The audience can take a workshop or go read a book on improv if they want to know more about how it's done - we shouldn't be de-mystifying anything for them. Having said that, I will place myself firmly in the "I don't want to know what game I'm going to play beforehand" camp.
Realistically, you've been rehearsing and performing short form improv for several years now and you should know all the games by now or, if it's a brand new game that is being made up at that moment, at least be able to recognize what kind of variant it is or from what game its essence is derived. At this point, you should only be worrying about the nuances of how a troupe performs a game. Then again, that's what the CC workshops are for, to teach our troupe's nuances.
It is a sad state of affairs that there is no rehearsal at CC anymore. It really places our newer players in a hole and they continue to foster bad habits. I understand (but don't agree with) Clancy's contention that he has been doing this for 20 years and he's tired of rehearsals. I get that. I get tired of lame rehearsals where all we do is work on game mechanics. Boring. The problem is that's all he knows how to do. He doesn't realize (or if he does, he doesn't care) that the meat of the show is the scenework. All the rest is just meringue. The irony here is that he comes from an acting background. Sweet, sweet irony.
Great, now I'm in a bad mood.
I think it's fine to choose games as you go if:
1. All the players know them--or have broad enough experience that, as Pete says, they can figure out the structure of the game and play it.
2. The format of the show takes care of pacing.
Something (like a format) or someone (like a director or coach) has to make sure the show has the best chance possible of entertaining the audience.
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