Welcome back to a new ‘term’ of Improv Corner. Since I didn’t attend the Fringe this year I thought I would kick the season off a bit differently – looking at a topic that can be quite important for Improv.

When you start to do improv, there will be one sort of scene that will be terrifying to do initially as it is a whole different level of nerves – the scene with no suggestions.

I decided to try this for the first time ever at a live show on Derby Day in Newcastle. The scene bombed terribly, it was terrible, I hated it. Since then I have done many scenes without suggestions and I feel a lot more confident with them but initially – horrible.

One thing you start to realise a lot with scenes with no suggestions is that they can go down the depressing or negative route very quickly. Look at things like Eastenders- the drama peoples always engage in is so negative and can be am easy option for a scene.

The easiest way is to cause conflict but does it make a good scene for no suggestions?

In all honestly, not really. Most people go this route and and whilst it can be predictable it can also be boring or even more negative and confusing experience for the audience. They come to see a show for entertainment – negativity doesn’t always bring this.

Don’t get me wrong, it can be really hard to be positive in a no suggestion scene but here are some things you could try.

Don’t Block

It is so easy to go into this situation and block anything your scene partner says but that automatically creates a conflict in the scene. It can be hard when you are feeling nervous to try and embrace everything that is being said but remember to Yes And.

Movement

If you are starting a scene and don’t know what to do, do a random body movement – it will lead the scene and help you out. It is so easy to start a scene doing this as it automatically produces a bold statement and already produces a story. It helps you to feel more confident, less pressure of leading the narrative and creates the scene organically.

Silence

Sometimes golden comedy can be made out of silence. It can be hard to do it at first but it can be really good. Look at comedies like Mr Bean it works so well because it is silent and it is all about the physical side.

All these little things can help – scenes without suggestions are really hard but hopefully these tips will help you.

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