Everyone thinks that improv is just someone winging it while being both funny and chaotic on stage. This idea actually couldn’t be further from the truth. The truth is that the art of improvisation is a hard craft to master. It is a very disciplined art form that requires teamwork,  and takes a lot of time to master, just like acting.

Improv comedy like we know it, didn’t begin until the 1950’s, which makes it a relatively new art form. The improv techniques taught at places like The Second City are all derived from master acting teacher Viola Spolin. Spolin created the foundation and games that developed into the modern improv we know today. Spolin’s methods and teachings helped pave the way for modern improvisational theaters across the United States to exist. 

The Second City is a theater that was founded in 1959. Almost all successful comedians got their start at The Second City. Comedians including Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and even early SNL stars like John Belushi and Gilda Radner are just a few examples of comedians whose careers began at The Second City. 

Improv is creating something out of nothing with a suggestion from the audience. Although improv is made up on the spot, there is a structure to help make it succeed. The core rule of improv is to yes, and. This means that improv comedians have to agree with what others are saying and then add on to what has been established. This is how they create interesting, funny scenes just on the spot.

Often, people associate improv with just being funny. While it’s true that audiences go to an improv show expecting to laugh, improvisers on stage are never trying to be inherently comical. It is a core rule of improv comedy, and even comedy in general, to never go for the joke. Humor is always a by-product of any scene, but never the goal. 

Many think that they won’t be good improvisers because they don’t think they’re inherently funny or witty. But as mentioned earlier, improv isn’t just about being funny. Improv is also something that is not just for actors. It’s an engaging art form that attracts all types of people across all occupations. 

Anyone at South who is interested in improv should consider auditioning for the Factory Reset improv team. The team  has open auditions to anyone in the school who is interested in improv or sketch comedy. It is truly a beneficial activity, not just because it is fun, but also because it builds creativity and public speaking skills.