Many have a goal like this for an improv scene… be clever or funny. Be witting, be surprising, be “big”, do some voice, do something unexpected. You get it. While those things can be great, they are usually not what makes a character truly memorable… or at least, not on their own.
The thing that an audience connects with, the thing that makes a performance feel real and grounded, is the character’s point of view. Their point of view, or POV, is about why that character does that thing you’re doing in the scene. This is what is driving them, part of their internal operating system that includes a unique set of beliefs, emotions, and personal logic that filters how they experience the world of the scene. And this is often the foundation upon which every believable action is built, and the foundation of REALLY GOOD IMPROV.
So how do we create this POV quickly when inside the scene? In my latest episode, I break a character’s POV down into four practical methods you can implement in your practice.
- Emotion. A clear emotional reaction tells the audience who this person is and what they care about.
- Observation. Carefully listening to what our scene partner gives us and define character in relation to them.
- Justification. A reason given for an unusual action reveals a core part of a belief system, deepens their POV (and the character themselves as a human).
- If this is true, what else is true. Builds a whole network of connected beliefs in your own mind, leads to more discover and compelling improv.
I provide more information about all of these methods, and practical examples to practice on your own or with a group.
Listen or Watch
The podcast and the youtube episode contains exercises that help you become a better actor and improviser by establishing a point of view. Learn more about that in the episode below, and get all the exercise directions. And come ask questions or share your own tips in the Improv Update discord general improv chat channel.
The "If This is True..." Framework for Better Characters - Your Improv Brain
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Free Improv Worksheet & Newsletter: improvupdate.com/newsletter
- Improvised Comedy Podcasts: stereoforest.com/
Available Now!
You can also get exercises to help with challenging scenes (and build up your trust in yourself) in a new booklet I just wrote. This PDF includes additional modifications and a bunch of examples that are not in the video and podcast episode below. You can get it here, and your support will help me with the out-of-pocket expenses and labour to create these resources!
Improv Exercise Booklet
Exercises to Ruin You. This 13 page guide provides six exercises to help practice challenges in improv scenes. Get reps in worst case scenarios! Modifications for solo improv are included for most exercises, and you’ll receive variations and examples not included in the video..
