Film and Comedy in Austin TX

The 4 Types of Improvisers

In my time doing improv, I have identified four communication styles. These styles translate to how folks work on stage (big surprise, right?). By no means is this a concrete list of how people function.

To break it into terms that I love, I split the four types of communication into Star Trek terms. Specifically, original series terms. The styles?

Keeping the Hot Spot Hot

If you’re entertaining an audience, you must keep “the hot spot” hot. Engage the audience by doing something actively. It doesn’t matter what.

Why Are You Doing Warm-Ups?

You must ask this question or else you are just doing warm-ups for no reason. If you’re doing warm-ups for no reason, you’re expending unnecessary energy and possibly irritating other improvisers because…what’s the point? If you’re ready to improvise and your partner(s) are, too, then don’t warm-up and just go do it. Reasons to do…

How to Get Better at Improv

Get out your notebook. Put on your nicest clothes. Shut up. And, for the love of all things holy, shower. Here’s how to do better improv.

How to Play to the Top of Your Intelligence (For Real)

Don’t play dumb in your improv scenes. Be as smart as you are in real life. That’s…pretty much it.

How to Stay Positive in a Competitive Environment

You don’t have to let the bastards get you down. Take a breath, look around, and figure out what you want to do. Here’s how.