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Improvisation
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actors have to really learn who there is character to prepare for
a particular role. While some actors just have to stick to the script,
others are great at taking that intimacy with their character and
improvising right there on camera or on the stage.
Some directors, of course, do frown on improvisation when there
is work to be done and they want the show to go a specific way,
but with certain actors improvisation has come in handy, and has
even made marked contributions to the film or show.
For example, in many of the films in which Robin Williams has starred,
his humor has been approved to come out unscripted. Good Morning
Vietnam is one of those. In many of the radio scenes, the words
are his own, improvised—completely unprepared. The same is
true for the film Toy Story and there are many others.
And Robin Williams isn’t the only one! Actors such as Jim
Carry, Steve Martin, Julia Roberts and Mel Gibson have all been
in films where improvisation on their part was allowed and even
encouraged. The personality of the actor is essential in their ability
to improvise—often the actors best at improvisation are extroverts.
The actor would certainly have to have proven his or her ability
to the director in order to influence the director’s decision
to let some improvisation take place—even if it costs a bit
more time and film, it could actually end up costing less time,
less film. The end result, of course, could be an immense improvement
on the film itself.
Even with an introvert-type personality, improvisation should be
one thing that an actor aims to develop some skills in. Very rarely
will an acting school ignore this skill, which is important to develop
whether the actor will end up using it or not in his or her career.
Often the improvisational classes offered at acting schools are
among the most enjoyable for the students.
Improvisation does not always have to be learned in a classroom
setting. There are lots of groups and clubs out there who enjoy
improvisation just for fun. There are even games you can play where
improvisation is the main object of the game.
Don’t be afraid of improvising!
Here are some suggestions before you begin to explore your talents
in improvisation.
· If you are going to take a class in improvisation, sign
up with a friend. It is always easier to make the setting more comfortable
if you are familiar with someone in the group.
· If you are intimidated by the classroom setting, try to
form a group of aspiring actors you know and practice improvisation
together.
· You could always check out those improvisational games
on the market
· Take your character—for whatever role on which you
are currently working and improvise at home. This will help with
your ability to develop an intimacy with your character. One example:
Would your character sing in the shower, and if so, what would he
or she sing?
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