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Improv Dialogue Techniques

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Object Work

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Object Work involves creating the illusion of physical objects in the space. It can make scenes more believable and detailed. For example, a performer might mime drinking a cup of tea, using careful hand movements to suggest the cup's shape and weight.

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Narrative Building

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This technique ensures that each line of dialogue contributes to creating a clear storyline. Performers focus on developing a coherent plot through their interactions. An example is when performers take turns to describe a day in the life of a shared character, gradually unfolding their story.

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Word at a Time

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This technique has performers construct sentences by each providing one word at a time. It encourages collaboration and can lead to unexpected and humorous dialogue. A two-person scene may evolve with unpredictable twists as each actor adapts to the added words.

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Yes, And

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This technique involves accepting what another performer has stated ('yes') and then expanding on that line of thought ('and'). It is used to build scenes collaboratively. For example, if one actor introduces a character as a doctor, another might agree and add that they're secretly a superhero.

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Advancing

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Advancing is a technique where a performer moves the scene forward by adding new information or increasing complexity. An example could be introducing a conflict or a surprising plot twist to the narrative propagated by the other performers.

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Emotional Memory

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Emotional Memory utilizes a performer's personal feelings or past experiences to add depth to the scene. An actor might recall a sad memory to genuinely portray sorrow in a scene where their character is experiencing loss.

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Mapping

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Mapping applies one scenario onto another, often unrelated, to add layers to a scene. For example, a performer might act out taking care of a car as if it were a baby, drawing parallels between the scenarios to create humor or pathos.

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Status Transactions

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Status Transactions are shifts in the power dynamics between characters, which can change the direction or tone of a scene. An actor might start a scene in a superior role but progressively show vulnerability, thus lowering their status compared with other characters.

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Three Things

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In the 'Three Things' technique, an actor is asked to quickly name three things that fit a certain category or respond to a prompt given by another performer or the audience, inspiring spontaneous content creation. For example, mentioning three unusual ingredients in a witch's potion to set the scene's context.

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Split Focus

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Split Focus involves performers maintaining awareness of multiple things simultaneously, such as their fellow actors, the environment, or the audience. A scene may involve two actors engaging in dialogue while also interacting with audience inputs or environmental factors.

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Heightening

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Heightening is when a performer takes an existing idea or theme and amplifies it, often to comedic or dramatic effect. For example, if one person states that their coffee is hot, another might respond by dramatically acting out the effects of drinking extremely scalding liquid.

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Gibberish

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Gibberish involves speaking in nonsensical sounds. It's used to convey emotion or action without relying on actual words. For example, two actors may have a 'conversation' in gibberish that sounds like an argument, with their emotions and physicality suggesting the content of their exchange.

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Mirroring

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Mirroring is when one performer copies the body language or vocal style of another to show agreement or contrast or to create a comedic effect. For instance, two performers might mimic each other's movements and speech patterns, leading to a humorous duplication.

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Reincorporation

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Reincorporation involves bringing back a character, theme, idea, or phrase used earlier in the performance. This can create a sense of closure or humor by reminding the audience of an earlier moment. For instance, a character's quirky catchphrase may reappear at a pivotal scene moment.

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Discovering

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Discovering is when performers find unexpected twists or reactions within a scene. Instead of planning ahead, they let the scene guide them. For example, they could reveal an object in their hands and spontaneously decide its significance in the dialogue based on the scene's needs.

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