Improv Illusionist
@improvillusionist.bsky.social
Book, articles, and monthly newsletter to level up your Physical Improv skills.
Curator: David Raitt
https://improvillusionist.vista.page
Curator: David Raitt
https://improvillusionist.vista.page
Pinned
If you're an improviser and love performing physically, introduce yourself to Improv Bluesky.
Say hi, tell us about yourself, and what you like to post about.
Make friends!
(Superhero icons created by Freepik - Flaticon)
Say hi, tell us about yourself, and what you like to post about.
Make friends!
(Superhero icons created by Freepik - Flaticon)
Tip: Like all choices you make when improvising, be specific with your object work.
What's in that glass you're drinking from? That suitcase you're packing?
The answer changes your hands and body (and emotional expression).
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
What's in that glass you're drinking from? That suitcase you're packing?
The answer changes your hands and body (and emotional expression).
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
December 9, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Tip: Like all choices you make when improvising, be specific with your object work.
What's in that glass you're drinking from? That suitcase you're packing?
The answer changes your hands and body (and emotional expression).
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
What's in that glass you're drinking from? That suitcase you're packing?
The answer changes your hands and body (and emotional expression).
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Substack @improvcity on Physical Boundary Scenes:
"If we establish boundaries and then don’t practice implementing them, then we’re deepening the practice of not touching each other instead of touching each other in boundaried ways."
Article link in comments. 👇
#improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"If we establish boundaries and then don’t practice implementing them, then we’re deepening the practice of not touching each other instead of touching each other in boundaried ways."
Article link in comments. 👇
#improvillusionist #mondayfeature
December 8, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Substack @improvcity on Physical Boundary Scenes:
"If we establish boundaries and then don’t practice implementing them, then we’re deepening the practice of not touching each other instead of touching each other in boundaried ways."
Article link in comments. 👇
#improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"If we establish boundaries and then don’t practice implementing them, then we’re deepening the practice of not touching each other instead of touching each other in boundaried ways."
Article link in comments. 👇
#improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Improv students! To improve your object work, try practicing an improvised activity with various emotions, e.g. sipping a drink anxiously.
Remember object work can convey emotions without dialogue. This also helps you discover more detail.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Remember object work can convey emotions without dialogue. This also helps you discover more detail.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
December 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improv students! To improve your object work, try practicing an improvised activity with various emotions, e.g. sipping a drink anxiously.
Remember object work can convey emotions without dialogue. This also helps you discover more detail.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Remember object work can convey emotions without dialogue. This also helps you discover more detail.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: Starting a scene by yourself? Then YOU are what the scene is about!
Don't stall waiting for a partner. Find an activity, commit your full engagement to it, then build to advance the scene.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Don't stall waiting for a partner. Find an activity, commit your full engagement to it, then build to advance the scene.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
December 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Improv tip: Starting a scene by yourself? Then YOU are what the scene is about!
Don't stall waiting for a partner. Find an activity, commit your full engagement to it, then build to advance the scene.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Don't stall waiting for a partner. Find an activity, commit your full engagement to it, then build to advance the scene.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
From my newsletter archives: A simple framework for safer improv spaces.
1. Play safe.
2. Protect others (players and audience).
3. Protect yourself.
🔗Read the full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Play safe.
2. Protect others (players and audience).
3. Protect yourself.
🔗Read the full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
December 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
From my newsletter archives: A simple framework for safer improv spaces.
1. Play safe.
2. Protect others (players and audience).
3. Protect yourself.
🔗Read the full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Play safe.
2. Protect others (players and audience).
3. Protect yourself.
🔗Read the full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Try an improv scene with "levels!" This is like a split-screen view where players look toward where the other would be instead of directly at them. Above = look down, below = look up. Try to match body and head angles.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
November 28, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Try an improv scene with "levels!" This is like a split-screen view where players look toward where the other would be instead of directly at them. Above = look down, below = look up. Try to match body and head angles.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: Consider that most objects are "typical" to their environment. That's why they're there instead of somewhere else. One way to make something happen in a scene is to discover an object that's NOT typical. What's the story there?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
November 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Improv tip: Consider that most objects are "typical" to their environment. That's why they're there instead of somewhere else. One way to make something happen in a scene is to discover an object that's NOT typical. What's the story there?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
I've got a list of great improv podcasts to expand your thinking, learn new techniques, and get insight into improv history and culture from all over the world.
🔗Check it out here:
vist.ly/4fsta
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
🔗Check it out here:
vist.ly/4fsta
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Improv Podcasts: Reviews & Recommendations
Reviews of improv podcasts available for performers to learn their craft. Includes links to episodes focusing on physicality and environment.
improvillusionist.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
I've got a list of great improv podcasts to expand your thinking, learn new techniques, and get insight into improv history and culture from all over the world.
🔗Check it out here:
vist.ly/4fsta
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
🔗Check it out here:
vist.ly/4fsta
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Next improv show, try vocalizing sound effects.
Examples: knock on doors, turn on a faucet, animals in the forest. Use as momentary additions or make a full game out of it.
Sound adds extra detail, making scenes more engaging and fun!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Examples: knock on doors, turn on a faucet, animals in the forest. Use as momentary additions or make a full game out of it.
Sound adds extra detail, making scenes more engaging and fun!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
November 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Next improv show, try vocalizing sound effects.
Examples: knock on doors, turn on a faucet, animals in the forest. Use as momentary additions or make a full game out of it.
Sound adds extra detail, making scenes more engaging and fun!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Examples: knock on doors, turn on a faucet, animals in the forest. Use as momentary additions or make a full game out of it.
Sound adds extra detail, making scenes more engaging and fun!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: Object work & mime are NOT the same thing.
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improv tip: Object work & mime are NOT the same thing.
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Gibberish is a made-up "language" improvisers use to practice physical and emotional expression.
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Duolingo for Gibberish [6 Nov 2025]
November 2025 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. How to learn to speak Gibberish, a made-up “language” in improv. Subscribe today for more improv ideas.
improvillusionist.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Gibberish is a made-up "language" improvisers use to practice physical and emotional expression.
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Before your next improv show, take 10 minutes for your group to warm up, stretch, and (especially) breathe.
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Before your next improv show, take 10 minutes for your group to warm up, stretch, and (especially) breathe.
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: If you're not the active focus in a scene, some small activity work helps you stay engaged. This "business" looks more natural than just standing there. But be careful not to distract players and audience. Be ready to dial it back!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improv tip: If you're not the active focus in a scene, some small activity work helps you stay engaged. This "business" looks more natural than just standing there. But be careful not to distract players and audience. Be ready to dial it back!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Ways to practice your improv skills away from the stage:
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Ways to practice your improv skills away from the stage:
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Over the next week, people all over the world will pause to reflect on the Remembrance of those who have fought and died in war.
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
November 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Over the next week, people all over the world will pause to reflect on the Remembrance of those who have fought and died in war.
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
Tip for improv safety: Check yourself for injuries after a show. The adrenaline of performance can mask pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Start treating these before you REALLY feel them the next day.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
November 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Tip for improv safety: Check yourself for injuries after a show. The adrenaline of performance can mask pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Start treating these before you REALLY feel them the next day.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
📖📖 Improv books are a great way to learn new ideas and deepen your understanding of improv performance.
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Improv Books: Reviews & Recommendations
Reviews of the many improv books available for actors to learn their craft. Includes books featuring physical improv skills.
improvillusionist.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
📖📖 Improv books are a great way to learn new ideas and deepen your understanding of improv performance.
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Try speaking in Gibberish in an improv scene. Great for encouraging physicality and emotional expression!
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Try speaking in Gibberish in an improv scene. Great for encouraging physicality and emotional expression!
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
The Hideout Theatre in Austin TX needs help to fund their next home.
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
Hideout Forever! Help Build Our Next Home.
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House needs a new home. We have provided downtown Austin with improvised theatre, training, kids classes, coffee, and community for over 25 years. Help us build the next Hideout.
fnd.us
October 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The Hideout Theatre in Austin TX needs help to fund their next home.
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
Improv tip: If you're starting a scene alone on stage, it's YOUR scene!
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Improv tip: If you're starting a scene alone on stage, it's YOUR scene!
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
@lloydiejl.bsky.social on Proximity in improv:
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
October 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
@lloydiejl.bsky.social on Proximity in improv:
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Are you REALLY listening to your improv partners?
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Are you REALLY listening to your improv partners?
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: Like everything else in scene work, simpler is better with objects and environments. Focus on one thing at a time as you need it instead of trying to paint the whole picture at once. The audience fills in the details themselves.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Improv tip: Like everything else in scene work, simpler is better with objects and environments. Focus on one thing at a time as you need it instead of trying to paint the whole picture at once. The audience fills in the details themselves.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Want to learn the basics of physical improv?
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)
A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.
improvillusionist.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Want to learn the basics of physical improv?
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Do you prefer long-form improv over short-form, or vice versa?
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Do you prefer long-form improv over short-form, or vice versa?
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday