The Ultimate Guide to Improv: How to Imrovise Like Shawn Wickens!

Have you ever watched comedians perform improv and wondered how they come up with hilarious scenes on the spot? If you've ever wanted to learn the art of improv and become a master at thinking on your feet, then you're in luck! In this article, we will delve into the world of improv and explore the techniques that will help you improvise like the renowned Shawn Wickens.

Who is Shawn Wickens?

Shawn Wickens is a well-known comedian and improviser who has gained fame for his incredible ability to create captivating scenes through his quick thinking and wit. With years of experience under his belt, Shawn has become a master of improv and has performed with renowned improv groups across the country. Learning from his expertise can undoubtedly elevate your improv skills to new heights.

The Basics of Improv

Before we dive into the specific techniques of Shawn Wickens, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of improv. Improvisation is a form of live theatre where actors improvise scenes, dialogue, and actions without a script. It relies heavily on creativity, spontaneity, and collaboration among performers. The beauty of improv lies in the fact that every scene is unique, and no two performances are alike.

Improv: How to Improvise

by Shawn Wickens(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Improv Mindset

The first step to becoming a great improviser is adopting the right mindset. Shawn Wickens emphasizes that improvisation is all about saying "yes, and." This approach involves accepting offers from your scene partner and building upon them. It encourages the development of scenes and keeps the improvisation flowing. Shawn believes that saying "yes, and" allows performers to create a strong foundation for their scenes and fosters a positive and collaborative atmosphere.

Active Listening

One of the most crucial skills every improviser must master is active listening. Shawn Wickens stresses the importance of being fully present in the scene and actively listening to your scene partner's words, tone, and body language. By paying close attention to the details, you can better understand their offers and react accordingly. Active listening also helps in creating organic and realistic scenes, enhancing the overall quality of your improv performance.

Shawn Wickens' Improv Techniques

Now that we have a good grasp on the basics, let's explore some of the specific techniques employed by Shawn Wickens to elevate his improv game.

The Power of Observation

Shawn Wickens believes that being a keen observer of the world around you can significantly enhance your improvisation skills. Paying attention to details and drawing inspiration from real-life situations allows you to create more authentic and relatable scenes. Take note of people's quirks, mannerisms, and unique traits, and incorporate them into your characters. Observing the world through the eyes of a performer can open up a world of creative possibilities!

The Element of Surprise

Surprise is a powerful tool in the improv world. Shawn Wickens encourages performers to introduce unexpected elements into their scenes to keep the audience engaged. By adding twists and turns, you create intrigue and excitement. Surprise can be achieved through unexpected entrances, spontaneous changes in character, or introducing unexpected objects or events. The element of surprise injects energy into your scenes and ensures that you deliver memorable performances.

Character Development

Developing strong characters is another key aspect of Shawn Wickens' improv technique. By investing time in creating well-rounded characters, you bring depth and authenticity to your scenes. Consider their backstories, motivations, and relationships with other characters. Understanding your character's objectives and desires allows you to make choices that drive the scene forward. Developing compelling characters helps captivate the audience and makes your improvisation stand out from the rest.

Embrace Mistakes

In the world of improv, mistakes are inevitable. However, Shawn Wickens encourages performers to embrace and even celebrate these mistakes. He believes that mistakes often lead to unexpected and comedic moments. By embracing the unexpected, you can turn mishaps into opportunities for creativity and humor. Don't be afraid to take risks and explore uncharted territories – you might just stumble upon comedy gold!

Improvisation is an incredible art form that can challenge and push your creative boundaries. By adopting the mindset, techniques, and strategies employed by improv genius Shawn Wickens, you can enhance your improvisation skills and create unforgettable performances. Remember to say "yes, and," actively listen, observe the world around you, and embrace the unexpected. With practice and dedication, you too can become a master improviser. So, are you ready to unleash your inner improv superstar?

Improv: How to Improvise

by Shawn Wickens(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3360 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This eBook is an evolving and ever-changing resource. Just as improv is collaborative - so is this book.

Therefore: two authors!
Send us your questions to improvhowto@gmail.com, we’ll answer them, or farm them out to improv luminaries from around the world.

All answers, updates and future editions of this eBook will be sent to all buyers in perpetuity, at no cost. Buy early but not often.

One important thing to remember about improv is that it is ever changing and developing. Improvisors and directors come up with new formats everyday and each of us, no matter how long we have been at it, makes new discoveries each time we walk onto the stage. This eBook hopes to capture that spirit and evolve with our readers and give them valuable perspectives on a subject that can not be mastered.

This eBook is not intended to be a manual or theory driven resource for improvisors. It is intended to change and grow with each edition. Taking twists and turns and covering subjects that we hope are as diverse as the changing landscape of improv. We want and need your feedback. Not only will your feedback shape future editions but it will guide this online conversation edited and curated by Shawn and Mike. You will see our two cents a lot but we call on others to feed us the questions you want answered and we will also be calling on some of our favorite improvisors, teachers and directors from all around the world to answer those same questions. We believe in providing our readers variety. Our answers as authors are correct but it’s a team sport, right folks? So please bear with us as our first few editions are put out.

We believe in this project and the collective “Yes, And” attitude of the improv community to help this grow from a concept to a continuous conversation.

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A native of Doylestown, PA MIKE McFARLAND studied drama at The Actors’ Center and performed in several long form ensembles in Philadelphia. Michael also founded and produced the Philadelphia Improv Festival. He continues to serve on the advisory board for the PHIT and co-produces its Duofest. Moving to NYC in 2005, Michael was a longtime resident performer at Magnet Theater and The Peoples Improv Theater. He served as founder and executive producer of the NYC Improv Festival (The PIT). He currently performs in The Score (DC),Love Onion (WIT) and Michael Loves Greg (PHILA). Mike has coached, taught or directed at PHIT, NYC's Magnet Theater & The PIT, WIT, BIG and the University of Iowa.

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Shawn Wickens has warmed up audiences at Blue Man Group, cataloged old props in the basement of Troma Films, and announced matches for The Quidditch World Cup. He is co-founder of the ironically titled Bad Theater Fest and Bad Film Fest.

Since 2007, Shawn has been a founding member of Junior Varsity, one of the Magnet Theater's premiere ensembles.