The Improv Basic

[York99]

When either Picasso or DaVinci was charged by some "important" person to prove how good an artist he was, he carefully drew a perfect circle freehand.

When chefs evaluate other chefs, they say that the simple soup is the best metric.

In other words, the best measure of mastery (at least in certain endeavors) is the execution of the most basic task.

What is the most basic part of improv comedy? Or does this test even apply to improv comedy?

I'm curious what the answer would be, and if that answer varies from different schools of improv thought. In other words, if the King of the World said, "prove that you're an improv comedy master." and assuming that you are -- or that you think you are -- what do you show the King?

My initial thought would be to do a simple, 2-person scene where every word and every physical motion built on a central theme of the scene and it was funny.

Then again, there are so many skills involved with that "simple" scene... or is that the point? Maybe it's a great 3-line scene?

Thoughts?

[bradisntclever]

Something that involves removing a beverage from a fridge.

[kaci_beeler]

This is really bizarre, this question.

I'd say put them onstage with a group of people they don't know, have never seen play before, and then see how they work with them throughout the piece.
I think the best improvisers make their partners look good as well as themselves, and play well with others.

The above scenario can be a nightmare, especially across different communities and styles, but if an improviser can go into any show with any one and make it work, that's extremely admirable to me.

[arthursimone]

I'd say put them onstage with a group of people they don't know

yeah, that sounds like a pretty good feat of strength

[Jeff]

What is the most basic part of improv comedy? Maybe it's a great 3-line scene?

I like this question, because it made me think for a while.

I quoted you using an edit that provides my answer to it.

I think that if somebody can consistently improvise a three-line (or three-action, or some mix thereof) scene that employs a distinct character, establishes a setting, and advances the story or emotion or tone to something more involved and engaging than how it started, then that person is much more likely to be a master improviser than someone who can't consistently do that.

[Lants]

if the King of the World said, "prove that you're an improv comedy master."

reply "you're not the king, you're my neighbor, Stephen, and we're on a space station"

[York99]

I'd say put them onstage with a group of people they don't know

yeah, that sounds like a pretty good feat of strength

But it's not a feat of strength we're seeking. It's that basic building block. Or is that basic building block necessarily a feat of strength? Hmm.

[arthursimone]

King of World: Prove that you're an improv comedy master.
Master: Yes, my king. If you would please, pick any of your subjects for a challenge.
K: Ah, I will pick my jester!
M: No, my king, that would prove too easy! Find your most hopeless, most un-funny churl and I will turn them into comedy gold!
K: Hmmm, you there! Knave!
Hobo: Me, lord?
K: Don't be afraid, lad, listen to the Master here and we'll see what's what!

15 minutes later

K: Remarkable! Truly you are a master of improv!
M: If this looks like fun, it is, we teach classes in improv and sketch com-
K: You are now wasting my time.
H: Does this mean I'm really a space detective?

[beardedlamb]

maybe a silent one minute scene... hmmm...

[mpbrockman]

When either Picasso or DaVinci was charged by some "important" person to prove how good an artist he was, he carefully drew a perfect circle freehand.

Off-topic - I thought only Giotto could do this. Sorry, that contributed nothing. Carry on...

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

do a scene from nothing and don't freak out if it's not funny.

[Curtis + computer]

if the King of the World said, "prove that you're an improv comedy master."

reply "you're not the king, you're my neighbor, Stephen, and we're on a space station"

WINNER

[Jeff]

if the King of the World said, "prove that you're an improv comedy master."

reply "you're not the king, you're my neighbor, Stephen, and we're on a space station"

WINNER

So master improvisers block their partners?

[Jastroch]

reply "you're not the king, you're my neighbor, Stephen, and we're on a space station"

WINNER

So master improvisers block their partners?

What mean block do?

[LuBu McJohnson]

Don't be funny