by Gary Schwartz | Feb 11, 2019 | Blog
This post is an esoteric one, but an important one. I am always at a loss when I send out a side-coach and, in the words of Viola Spolin, it doesn’t penetrate. My first thought is to say it again or louder, but if it makes no sense to the players, I am only referring...
by Gary Schwartz | Jan 7, 2019 | Blog
Do this, don’t do that! Like this! Here’s how I want it! That’s better! That’s rotten! That’s not funny! Now that was FUNNY! That’s what I want! – spoken by a director at a recent improv workshop I attended. If you teach or direct,...
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 | 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 | Mar 31, 2018 | Blog
“Information is a very weak form of communication” – Spolin I have been working with Spolin Games for the last thirty years. I first began in an improv comedy class learning how to be fast and funny with a group of very talented actors, who are still playing. Then, by...
