Topics in Improv (358-0-20)

Topic

Improvising Characters

Instructors

Denise E Ryan

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 106: Wed 12:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

This is a long-form ensemble improvisation class focusing on how characters' POV drive story. At the midterm, we use our discussions of POV to create a "late night" monologue, digging deeper into joke structure, escalation and comic rhetoric. Our final is a long form improvisation performed in front of an audience. The homework is putting class work into sketches and story outlines. There is a 15 page final script project.

Learning Objectives

Improv techniques for success in TV and Film, understanding organic story structure, writer/performer voice, dialogue and scene work, deeper dive into genre, group mind and the ensemble.

Class Materials (Required)

Final Draft or screenwriting software
"Anatomy of Story" by John Truby
"Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out" by Mick Napier
"Truth in Comedy" by Kim "Howard" Johnson
Students will be required to see an improv show

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for RTVF Majors with the RTVF 260-0 prerequisite or students in Writing: MFA or Documentary Media: MFA programs until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone with the prerequisite.”