Even if you’re not sure how the Harold improv format works, you’ve probably heard it mentioned around the improv scene. Improv curriculums often feature the Harold as the focus of their capstone class, and improv theaters frequently showcase talent and develop experienced players through Harold teams. While the Harold, like most formats, has endless variations, I’ve put … [Read more...] about The Harold Improv Format: What Is It?
Improv
Playing to Win FIST: Advice from a FIST Champion
Starting with your first improv show, you've probably heard one line a thousand times, whether it's from a coach, teacher, or your own teammates. The suggestion to "just have fun" is the most ubiquitous advice in improv. While having fun is, obviously, fun for you as team, it's also important to remember that the show is never just for you. There are good people paying good … [Read more...] about Playing to Win FIST: Advice from a FIST Champion
How to Do Duoprov: Thoughts From Someone Who Did 50 Duos
In March of 2018, I announced to the general comedy community in DC that I intended to perform 50 duos before the end of the year. Somehow, I completed that goal on December 28, 2018. It’s honestly surreal to me that I even reached this point. Scheduling and performing so many duos in a year certainly proved to be an uphill battle at times—the last few weeks I literally … [Read more...] about How to Do Duoprov: Thoughts From Someone Who Did 50 Duos
How to Host an Improv Show the Right Way
Have you ever woken up in the morning and said to yourself, "Man, I want to be a great improv show host! That person who is on stage for 45 seconds and no one remembers? That’s gonna be me!" This has never happened to anyone ever. And given the reality of hosting, it's no wonder why. Hosting is probably the most underrated part of any improv show. Hosts are hard to … [Read more...] about How to Host an Improv Show the Right Way
How to Hold an Audition for Your Indie Improv Group
Improv auditions are hard. There's so much pressure to perform well and make all your best improv moves while still supporting other auditioners and making them look good. I thought handling that pressure was one of the most difficult things I'd ever done… and then I helped plan auditions for my own indie group. It took weeks and involved editing millions of spreadsheets. … [Read more...] about How to Hold an Audition for Your Indie Improv Group