I believe it’s useful to think of the key skills of Improvisation as falling within some distinct categories that tie the skills together and make them easier to remember. I refer to this as the ExploreFlexSupport Model:
“Explore” Skills
An improv actor must constantly be looking to strike out into new areas, making strong choices to keep the scene interesting for the audience. Similarly, a Daily Improviser should not be content with the status quo but should constantly be scanning for opportunities to create, improve, innovate – or, as Kouzes and Posner say in their book The Leadership Challenge, “challenge the process.”
Some examples of Explore Skills:
- Make something happen
- Take risks
- Move forward toward a goal
“Flex” Skills
An improv actor must constantly be shifting with her fellow performers and, rather than being thrown off by the unexpected, must keep the scene going no matter what. The Daily Improviser must also be ready to turn on a dime and seamlessly incorporate frictional elements when her plans run up against reality – including the reality of others’ different perspectives.
Some examples of Flex Skills:
- Adaptability – go with the flow
- Intuitiveness – trust your gut
- Resilience – stay in the game
“Support” Skills
In improv, “The Team Is the Star.” An improv actor must not try to hog the spotlight at the expense of the ensemble’s performance but must do whatever possible to make others look good. In the same way, a Daily Improviser must truly collaborate with other team members, making sure that everyone is heard and that all points of view are considered.
Some examples of Support Skills:
- Be positive – say “Yes, And”
- Give and take
- Respect others
In my next post, I’ll describe two additional elements that make for improvisational success!
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