How to Do Theatrical Improv - Different types of improv

Hi, I'm Jane Entwistle with expertvillage.com and we are talking about improv. And I'm Andrew Stubblefield. Welcome back. So we've talked about the history of improv and what is improv, but how do you tell the difference between short form improv, long form improv, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy. Jane, isn't it all just comedy? Well, yes and no. Some groups use improv to get to the meat of a scene, the drama, the character. Others use improv to get a laugh, to entertain the audience. I think all improv is great. Short form improv are short, usually three to five minute games that have a hook. A hook, or gimmick, is basically something that's used to make the scene more interesting or move the scene along, or to make it more fun. For instance, the game "Forward and Reverse". You could be doing a scene and at any moment the emcee or referee can yell "reverse!" and you'll have to do the same scene in reverse order. That's called a hook. Another example of a hook or a gag or gimmick, is the use of gibberish. In short form improv, I may need to teach an occupation to Andrew. But we can't use English; we can only use gibberish....That's gibberish. Another game is called "Party quirks". There's a host of a party. They've invited four guests to their party. The audience decides, in short form improv, who the guests are, but the host doesn't know, and has to guess throughout the game. Guests could be people like Paris Hilton. "That's hot." A plumber. "Hey, you know where the sink is?" A bartender. "Ahh, another long night, John?" These are examples of short form improv.