openers

[LuBu McJohnson]

just to clarify, i'm not talking about an intro designed to host or get a suggestion. i'm talking about once the suggestion has been gotten and the "show" part of it begins.

I have no idea what you people are talking about. Can you give a specific example?

Like a group game? like an Invocation or something?

I think so, but imagine that the Invocation is scripted. Every time, it be the same.

[arthursimone]

Invocation's a great example of a group opening that serves to:
-get everyone in group on same page energy-wise
-generate ideas for premise-based scenework
-give the audience insight into how improvisers work

The third function is the most important to me, because it's most important to an audience who potentially hasn't seen the group-mind at work. A good opening introduces lateral thinking as the improviser's bread-and-butter and hints at things coming full circle for later callbacks. In short, it sets expectations on what you're about to do, and expectations or lack thereof are where improv gets its power.

I think this holds true whether the opening you're talking about is a slushy Harold "Organic" or the dramatis personae that I see happening in lots of genre shows.

[Jastroch]

if you're going to do some kind of opener before you do the improv part of your show, it should enhance the thematic, theatrical, or energy quotient of the show, instead of sucking pathos and feeling like a obligated bridge to the actual improv.

rarely do i find all of these contrived intros useful at all. maybe it's just a function of low-energy or inexperienced or uninvested players, but it leads to me devoloping a prejudice to the same opening done by a better group. i'm automatically less on their side when i see them doing what the less successful ones are doing. and then i'm surprised when the improv is good. and then i just wish they didnt do the opening.

I think you nailed it. Any opening should enhance the thematic, theatrical and energy quotients, and when people with less experience and talent try to tackle it, it sucks the soul out of what they're trying to do and is a major turn off.

Of course, I've had similar soul sucking experiences with short form, the Harold, genre work, two person scenes and sex. And yet, here I remain.

[Pdyx]

The only scripted opening I've seen post-taking a suggestion (I think) was Improsia. And I really liked their opening. It was theatrical and committed and I liked it.

I haven't really seen any others, I don't believe.

[Marc Majcher]

I think so, but imagine that the Invocation is scripted. Every time, it be the same.

Okay, yeah. That sounds like the worst thing ever.