Online Improv Elective: What is the Tempo? Identifying and Maintaining Tension in a Scene

Level: intermediate

When two improvisers encounter each other, a quality of tension is established. A quick initiation, recognition and maintenance of the fabric of this tension can give the scene purposeful direction and players immense joy. This class will explore three such qualities (combative, smooth and shoulder to shoulder) that provide unique tension to a scene. Drawing from the analogy of giving and taking weight and contact improvisation, this class will invite sensing textures and expanding the landscape of our imagination to play a variety of short scenes. This class will give you tools to study your scene-making and help you make the offer that consciously heightens the existing tension or diluting the same. These tools are an antidote to the common thought “I am not sure what is happening or where my co-improviser is coming from”. You will damn well know this by the end of the class.

Where is my partner at with their offers?

If my scene was a surface, which one would it be?

How do I compliment the established tempo of the scene or what is the most productive way to transform the tempo of the scene?

Min. participants 6, max. participants 12. If we have to cancel the event due to low numbers, we will do this with 24 hours notice.

This intermediate elective runs Monday 25th January 7 – 9.30 pm GMT 

Intermediate (3/6 months+) These classes will be opportunities to add tools to your growing toolbox. Normally these classes will expect players to be confident playing scenes. These classes will provide practice and specific new skills. 

NB: Our electives frequently sell out, but do not despair if this class has. You have not missed your shot. If enough people join the waiting list, we are often able to put the same class on a few days after or in parallel. So if you were excited, join up and we will be in touch.