Improv Glossary

When a performer laughs or drops character during a scene. Often discouraged unless in a comedy-forward show that embraces it.

When a player unintentionally or selfishly dominates a scene or moment, disrupting group dynamics.

Real-time direction given by a coach or director during practice (not shows) to guide choices or fix habits.

Speaking without making strong offers or taking action; usually a sign someone is stalling or uncertain.

A game based on a character's particular behavior or worldview, often consistent across multiple scenes.

A character's unique perspective or belief system; crucial for defining consistent reactions and stakes.

The level of power or confidence a character holds in a scene; playing with shifting or contrasting statuses often creates strong dynamics.

A moment that shifts or adds a new layer to the scene—something unexpected that reveals or complicates the relationship/game.

A unit of action within a scene, or a round of scenes within a larger long-form structure like The Harold.

A long-form structure where a piece of source material is broken down and explored thematically through a series of new scenes.

A foundational long-form structure developed by Del Close, involving an opening, three rounds of scenes (beats), and group games.

A long-form structure featuring a chain of interconnected two-person scenes.

A long-form piece that takes place in a single location in continuous time, much like a one-act play.

A long-form structure consisting of a series of thematically linked scenes without the rigid beat structure of a Harold.

The structured intro of a long-form set, used to generate ideas, themes, or group inspiration for the scenes (e.g., organic, monologue, invocation).

A sequence of short, related scenes that explore a single idea or game in different ways, usually fast-paced.

Later scenes in formats like the Harold that return to characters or themes introduced earlier but with a heightened or evolved twist.

The principle that performers accept the reality established by their scene partners to build a coherent world.

A reference to something that happened or was said earlier in the performance, often used for comedic effect or to create connections.

A verbal or physical cue that ends one scene and begins another, such as a "sweep edit" where a player walks across the stage.

The pattern of unusual or interesting behavior in a scene that performers identify, explore, and heighten for comedic effect.

The process of raising the stakes or intensifying the "game of the scene" once it has been established.

Any piece of information—verbal or physical—that a performer presents in a scene for others to build upon.

A physical gesture (often walking across the stage) to signal the end of a scene and initiate the next.

A type of edit where a player enters and replaces another character to start a new beat or explore another aspect of the game.

A sequence where a player is repeatedly tapped out to explore a specific premise or game from multiple angles or characters.

A short entrance into a scene to add a quick detail, character, or to influence the direction without becoming a main player in the scene.

The golden rule of improv: accepting an offer ("Yes") and adding new information to it ("And") to move the scene forward.

A reminder to not overcomplicate; doing the first thing that comes to mind is often the best move.

A golden rule of improv—never reject an offer; it breaks the reality being built.

A state of collective awareness where improvisers are so in tune that they can anticipate and build on each other's ideas seamlessly.

The act of making sense of something unusual or accidental in a scene, giving it meaning within the world.

Making grounded, smart choices rather than cheap or overly silly ones; respecting your audience and scene partner.