There is one thing that we haven’t really discussed on this article and that is about other groups. We always discuss what you can do to improve your own show, how to perform, the key skills of improv. However, the one thing that is as vital as performing is actually watching other people’s shows.

There are so many reasons for you to watch other people’s shows. The first one is that the improv community is a very supportive network – so watching other shows is a great way to show your enthusiasm for them. Apart from being a cheerleader for others, there are other reasons why you should watch other peoples shows:

Watching the Improv

The one thing you can never do enough of when you are into this comedy form is watch lots of improv. It is great fun to see how others play a suggestion or perform a scene. It can inspire, show you an alternative way to perform and also show you ways improv can be performed that you may not of been aware of. Watching other people’s improv does not mean you are ‘copying,’ improv is made up on the spot but watching others can be really influential.

To Watch The Audience

This may sound like a weird thing but it is also one of my favourite things to do whenever I go to any type of comedy show. Watching other audience members is a fascinating experience. Especially if you ae a performer as well. Watching how the audience react to parts of the show, especially at an improv show can be really educational for a player.

You can see where they laugh (even in places when you may not expect them to), you can see the glint in their eyes when they recognise the magic of improv and you can really learn a lot. I love doing this as it helped me become a better improviser and to understand the audiences a lot more.

Embrace The Atmosphere

The last thing about any improv show is the atmosphere and being a part of the audience of a show can be exciting, fun and a joyful experience.