As an actor, if you are not constantly looking for ways to sharpen your skills, and stand out in the industry, you will likely find yourself being left behind quickly. Most actors start their journey with the use of improv.
It’s easy to do, it’s fun and it has a low barrier to entry so that’s naturally where most actors start.
Coincidentally, that’s what makes actors move away from practicing improv. They prefer to move on to other areas and techniques instead and many of them never revisit improv again.
However, professional actors don’t take it for granted. They know that improv is one of the fundamental building blocks of your acting career, so they never leave it behind.
Improv not only cultivates essential skills for professional actors but it also fosters personal growth and incredible networking opportunities.
Many professional actors start their careers through improv and if you want to build your career as a professional actor, this is something you might want to revisit too. Here’s where to start...
Whether you are a seasoned improvisationalist or not, it’s helpful to start at the beginning.
Something actors learn early on is the ability to take a scene and continue developing it naturally, introducing new events and new characters, while maintaining the story that was developing before they entered the scene.
This is done through the use of the "Yes, And..." principle.
This principle encourages actors to embrace and build upon the ideas already presented to them, fostering collaboration and creativity.
By always saying "yes" to a scene partner's suggestions and adding something of your own, you create an environment of limitless possibilities. You also avoid stifling their creativity, since they may be thinking of presenting an event that hasn’t yet materialized.
By using this principle, you allow the story to continue on its natural course. Even if the storyline does stray, it does so in a way where your scene partner can still organically find themselves another opportunity to present the event they were developing.
The "Yes, And..." principle also instills a sense of trust between scene partners, as they learn to rely on each other and work together to move the story forward.
In order to be able to fully utilize the “Yes, And...” principle you will also have to take part in active listening. That is another essential part of improv.
I know, it should go without saying but most actors have experienced the opposite from a scene partner many times.
Whenever you are in an improv environment, be present and responsive in each moment.
Don’t let anything happening around you pull your attention away. It only takes a brief moment for you to get lost in the scene’s development.
By genuinely listening and reacting to your scene partners, you can create authentic connections that resonate with audiences.
This is because active listening also helps you ensure that your reactions are in line with what is happening in the scene at every moment and that is what makes improv one of the building blocks of a professional acting career.
It helps actors improve skills that are essential.
For example, when it comes to spontaneity, there is nothing quite as effective as improv. Because it is unscripted, improv forces actors to react naturally in the moment.
That is also a crucial part of a scripted performance, but it is easy to get stuck in the repetitive nature of being on set.
A strong background in improv helps to counteract that and it helps to give you ideas that can keep your performances engaging, even if you are on take 32.
So how do you get started with this?
If you're eager to start incorporating improv into your acting career, there are several ways to get involved. The easiest thing to do would be to look for local classes and workshops, where you can learn from experienced instructors and practice with fellow actors.
Choose a class that suits your experience level, not as an actor, but specifically with improv.
If you feel like you are not ready to commit to a class, search for online workshops. Many instructors offer video lessons of their classes that you can work through on your own schedule.
You could also attend improv shows to get a better idea of what you are working towards and that may help you find out about classes in your area that might be suitable for you.
Incorporating improv into your acting career can yield a multitude of benefits. However, most of those benefits are only realized once you are on set.
They can also help during the audition process but it won’t do much to help you get those auditions.
If you are currently in a place where you are not getting enough opportunities to audition, then working on that simultaneously is likely a good idea.
Over the years I have seen so many talented actors get looked over simply because the industry did not know of them.
And, if the industry doesn’t know you, they can’t hire you.
That’s why, if you have been around Boost My Star for any length of time, you have heard me repeatedly talk about balancing classes and training with other things that can help you get on set.
For some actors the opposite is what they have trouble with. They may be known by the industry but they may not be seen in the most favorable way.
Typically, at some point throughout the audition process, Casting Directors will do some research on actors they are considering.
When they do, make sure that what they find about you shows them you are a true professional. Here’s how I can help with that.
So keep that in mind, as you work through what we talked about today. Feel free to get in touch if you need help with it, or even if you just want to bounce ideas.
I’m always happy to help however I can because I truly want to... See you at the top,
Scott