Conversation Party channeling self exercise

CONVERSATION PARTY – Players stand on stage in multiple groups of two or three people. Players are “at a party” as themselves, speaking as themselves to other who are also themselves. The teacher conducts focus from one conversation to the next.
Lessons:
Be specific – You don’t have to try so hard to be funny. You just have to be specific. The surprise inherent to improvisation is made even more satisfying when we’re specific in-the-moment.
React – The audience reaction of “I would have said that,” or “I know a woman who would have said that,” is such a satisfying response for any performance medium. In improvisation, that power is compounded as the audience knows that your reaction was “your” reaction in-the-moment.
Connect – don’t just sit in your head waiting for your next turn to speak, listen to what’s going on around you, let it seep in and affect you.
Juxtapose – we don’t have to discuss our differences or negotiate out one “truth.” A party group who loves cats standing next to a group that loves dogs doesn’t need to engage in a fight. The audience sees both groups and wants both heightened next to each other.

2 thoughts on “Conversation Party channeling self exercise

  1. What do you mean by “the teacher conducts focus from one conversation to the next”?
    I haven’t done this exercise and need further description, an example, or perhaps a video if you have one. Thanks!

    • Thanks for reaching out for the clarification. Always good to know when I’m taking certain terminology for granted.
      Think about the coach literally being a conductor, like for an orchestra. S/he points to the group s/he wants to speak. If the coach isn’t pointing at you, you’re quiet.
      Clearer?

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