by Gary Schwartz | Jan 24, 2021 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Sensory Awareness, Spacewalks, Viola Spolin, Warm Up Games
Theater Games for the Classroom Project Or Sameaj Montessori in Mexico City teacher/student training program In 2019 I was invited by film director and founder of Or Sameaj Montessori, Jack Zagha Kababbie to conduct a series of Spolin Improv workshops for teachers at...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, The Where
Quick Selection for Where The Where In setting up a scene, the group will benefit from being able to quickly agree on basic set pieces in the Where. During play, more may emerge, but everyone needs a door, a window, something to sit on, etc. More than one room for...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Games, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Theory
Exits and Entrance – discussion Judgment and Other Blocks to Improvising The more blocked or opinionated the student, the longer the process. The more blocked and opinionated the teacher, the longer the process. My Big Breakthrough. The story I relate in this...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Give and Take, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Refining Awareness
No Motion – Action at a simmer The concept of No-Motion is a quiet holding onto a moment for as long as one can, before it becomes static. As you go into no-motion it is both a thing to do and a thing to hold (like a mantra). When in No-Motion you are the eye of...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Improvisation for the Theater, Lecture / Explanation, Spontaneity, Warm Up Games
Exits and Entrance – discussion Judgment and Other Blocks to Improvising The more blocked or opinionated the student, the longer the process. The more blocked and opinionated the teacher, the longer the process. My Big Breakthrough. The story I relate in this...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation
Space Substance and Follow the Follower Side coaching and the Approval/Disapproval Syndrome Space Substance and Words Detailing the Object and Sidecoaching A conversation with NPR freelance journalist Carol Grey and Valerie...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation
On the Approval/Disapproval Syndrome, Sidecoaching and other ideas.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, The Where, Verbal Agility
Gary Schwartz discusses the value of Space as the material that we use to create objects and environments. Also we touch on the concept that words may be used to prevent the direct experiencing of what the word represents and trap you in ‘story’ rather...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation
Viola Spolin talks about her work in a rare video interview
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Viola Spolin
Paul Sills tells an anecdote about how Viola Spolin began writing her book.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Viola Spolin
This is part of a documentary series on Improvisation in general and it starts of course with Viola Spolin.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Sensory Awareness, Spacewalks, Viola Spolin, Warm Up Games
Welcome to the Spacewalks Page SIDE COACHING SPACE WALK GAMES/ EXERCISES Space walks should be given often as warm-ups and the side coach must participate actively in these exercises. Spacewalks are appropriate for any group, (classroom, workshop, or show warm-up). It...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Orientation, Refining Awareness, Sensory Awareness, Spacewalks, Warm Up Games
Playing in Slow Motion Slow motion is a great sidecoach to use when you are feeling urgent or panic in a scene. Coaching slow motion re-focuses the players and they have more time to see without stopping . Understanding the difference between true Slow Motion and...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Sidecoaching, Space Objects
A discussion of our work in class on Detailing the Object and what makes a good sidecoach.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Give and Take, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Refining Awareness, Sidecoaching, Viola Spolin
Converge and Redivide variation: Lone Wolf Viola Spolin in a rare video conducting a workshop in Utah in 1972. Here she has three groups do Lone Wolf a version of Converge and Redivide. Her coaching is wonderful to watch.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Refining Awareness, The Where, Viola Spolin
Viola Spolin on the Young Actors Company Viola Spolin in this rare video talks about how her work developed from directing her Young Actor’s Company in Los Angeles and the wonderful results she got from her kids by working with “Where” and with games...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Orientation, Sidecoaching, Space Objects
Making the Invisible Visible This is a very important exercise. Space is the most neglected aspect in Improvisation. I stress it, because beyond seeing, it requires strong focus and goes a long way to create a compelling stage reality. In this video, I demonstrate and...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Games, Give and Take, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Refining Awareness, The Spolin Players
No Motion with the Spolin Players The concept of No-Motion is a quiet holding onto a moment for as long as one can, before it becomes static. As you go into no-motion it is both a thing to do and a thing to hold (like a mantra). When in No-Motion you are the eye of...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Follow the Follower, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation
A discussion of Space Objects and Follow the Follower vs. Yes,...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Follow the Follower, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Mirror Games, Refining Awareness, Verbal Agility, Viola Spolin
Focus on Reflection vs. Content Mirror Speech gives a good example of true improvisation. It is not turn-taking or mimicking. Rather it allows both players to explore ideas and let the story (such as it is) go where it will. It will often become a flight of fanciful...
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Follow the Follower, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Mirror Games, Sidecoaching
Mirror Speech leading to Follow the Follower This is a good example of coaching people into following the follower. Note where resistance to the focus presents itself and helps clarify the concept of Following the Follower in the evaluation.
by Gary Schwartz | Oct 18, 2018 | Follow the Follower, Improv Games, Lecture / Explanation, Refining Awareness, Sidecoaching, Space Objects, Theory
Intuition vs. Intellect: A discussion of Yes, And… & More Improv rules like Yes, and… and Make Your Partner Look Good, makes for some wonderful improvisational moments, but is limited. The dimension of Space is often left out and the connection between...
