Scene Prompt: Slipping By

Two characters share the stage with one rule: no talking for at least one minute. 

Oh, and no pantomime! They may move actually objects. They may move each other. They may pace, stare, and show that they care, but no talking for at least one minute. 

Acting is more than words. Improv is far more than comedy. 

Scene Prompt: Steal the Plot

Search for any TV listings -- I like to work from an image of a page from TV Guide, but any TV listings will work.

Randomly pick the description of one show -- don't cherry pick or look for sensible listings -- the improv challenge is to work with whatever you choose. For added fun, ask someone in the audience to pick and read the description to you, without telling what show it describes.

Work with that description AND...GO.

Picture This: Say Yes to Mr. Tubs

Can anyone really say yes better than a dog? Hardly.

My dog friend (one of a few) Mr. Tubs is a champion say yes kind of guy, and he insists that I play just as unconditionally. When I enter my friend Judi's house, Tubs comes running to see who it is. When he sees who it is (me!) he retreats to find his favorite toy of the moment and trots to me with the offer to play.

Say yes, human. Just say yes.

If I'm preoccupied, his eyes say "say yes."

If I say "not now, Tubbers..." he remains on point, ready to go, slobbering with anticipation, unable to conceive of a negative thought between me and yes. Say yes.

Improv actors say yes. If you forget how, please...play with a dog.

Just look at that face. There's no "no" in that face. There's no room for killing the scene. There is only keeping the playing alive.

Say Yes to Mr. Tubs.

Say yes to your improv partners.

Say yes to life.

-- doug smith

Creativity Generator: Picture This

1. Find a random picture (seriously, keep your eyes closed and make it random)
2. Write for 2 minutes, guided by the picture