Short form, improvisational sketch comedy at its best! "Improv Road Show" is an Atlanta-based comedy troupe performing all over town - from local theaters to community parties to corporate events - creating on-the-spot, live comic scenes incorporating your audience suggestions. If you like "Who's Line Is It, Anyway?", you'll love "Improv Road Show".
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
My Take (David Wappel) - Switch Out Change Out
Of everything I've learned in improv, probably on 25% is directly related to performing for laughs. The other 75%? Here's my take.
One of my favorite games is a game called "Switch Out, Change Out." In this four player game, two players (A & B) are in the center performing a scene. The other two players (C & D) are off in the wings. At any point, the director may call "switch!" and A & B must swap characters. If the director calls "change!" C & D must then replace A & B. It is a fast paced game, that can fall apart quickly. But not if you're listening.
If this game requires anything, it is key attentiveness to your scene partner. At any point, you can be asked to adopt their character, which means you must then exhibit their mannerisms, affections, motivations, accent…everything. You must be ready to be them. In order to do this successfully, you must be listening, and putting yourself in their shoes. Attempting to understand them, all the while you're creating your own character. When this is done well, these scenes can turn out great because not only are there inherent laughs in the constant switching, but relationships are often strong in this scene because it requires real listening. Connections are stronger.
Think about this offstage. How often do we listen? How well do we listen? If we can attempt to understand something from someone else's point of view, then we can make a truly meaningful connection. The ability to step into someone else's shoes is invaluable. It allows us to see multiple perspectives at once, reduces conflicts that may arise through misunderstanding, and gives us insight into others.
In improv, it could be the difference between a good scene and a bad scene…so not terribly high stakes. But outside of improv, being attentive to another's perspective can make a difference in some of the highest stake situations you'll experience in your life.
--- David Wappel
Meet the Host - Jess
Jess was born in a pineapple field in Hawaii, or at least that's what she was told by her parents during her formative years. This began a life of lying and make believe, now a way that she's chosen to make a career.
The newest gal to join the IRS crew, Jess has a B.S. in theatre from LaGrange College. She has performed with ne'er-do-wells and scalawags around Atlanta.
She has the most interesting and amazing wife ever, who adores her in return.
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