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
Improvisers! Starting in "elevens" leads to standing-and-talking scenes.
Try instead:
» Start from an upstage/downstage corner.
» Enter/exit through the audience. (Or play FROM the audience!)
Make all your scene starts a deliberate choice.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Try instead:
» Start from an upstage/downstage corner.
» Enter/exit through the audience. (Or play FROM the audience!)
Make all your scene starts a deliberate choice.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
December 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improvisers! Starting in "elevens" leads to standing-and-talking scenes.
Try instead:
» Start from an upstage/downstage corner.
» Enter/exit through the audience. (Or play FROM the audience!)
Make all your scene starts a deliberate choice.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Try instead:
» Start from an upstage/downstage corner.
» Enter/exit through the audience. (Or play FROM the audience!)
Make all your scene starts a deliberate choice.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
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
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
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
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
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
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
Improv safety tip: Clear the stage of furniture and physical props with every scene change or edit. Resetting the stage picture is also a visual cue that a new scene is starting.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 14, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Improv safety tip: Clear the stage of furniture and physical props with every scene change or edit. Resetting the stage picture is also a visual cue that a new scene is starting.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Next improv scene, try some FUN object work instead of the usual mundane, household activities. What's an outrageous improv idea you want to bring to life?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Next improv scene, try some FUN object work instead of the usual mundane, household activities. What's an outrageous improv idea you want to bring to life?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improvisers: Take the time to read your local theatre's codes of conduct and agree to abide by them. Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Improvisers: Take the time to read your local theatre's codes of conduct and agree to abide by them. Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Tips for getting better at improv:
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
September 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Tips for getting better at improv:
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip