Patterns and Micro-Narrative

After Prime on Sunday Scott made a very astute comment. "It works when we do the same, like, four things." Recently we've been on a streak of, mostly, good shows. And Scott hit upon the common thread between them. We function most effectively when we set up a mini-narrative, like a short one act, and cycle through it 3 or 4 times until it comes to a natural point of conclusion or its heightened into absurdity. I feel like we've had a similar kind of success with Schwa the last couple weeks, creating shows with a discernible theme or defining characteristic.

I am most satisfied when an improv show feels of a piece, has some singularity. The key is recognizing patterns, repeating elements, and developing a sequence of scenes resembling a narrative. Strictly narrative based improv(like an improvised play) can be difficult and at times tedious(in a more conventional longform) but developing a series of scenes that tangentially relate, that have a loose story arc or thematic similarity, is a good outline to embellish on. Whether by repeating the established sequence with the same characters and different context or with different characters and the same set up you build upon the audiences and fellow players familiarity with what was initially introduced. With a solidified rubric for a show the players are actually freed up to experiment and riff. After the initial sequence/scenes/set up is repeated the format is locked into place and there is no negotiation between the players about what is going on. No hesitation, no indecision. Physical or verbal cues will instantly be recognizable because they are echos of whats already been done.

There are many different methods which yield the same result. Repeating specific words or phrases. Repeating specific physicality or stage picture. Internal mechanisms like telling stories, fortune telling, or narrating. Sometimes breaking the fourth wall and flat out saying the theme, pattern or story although that can be significantly more tricky. Couple some or all that with a premise/theme set up through a sequence of scenes that you repeat variations on and you are most likely going to create something unique and focused.