From Improv to Script
In 2012 I wrote the scripted play “Jane Austen Zombie Apocalypse.”JAZA was my return to play writing since a 10 year absents. Since then I continued my script and screen writing with my new co-writing partner Miss Catwings with our new play “A Slice of Danger” and two one act 15 minute musicals “Speed Dating” and “Captain Rory and the Lady Pairates” not to mention my work with my new Youtube series “Board Game Moke.” It’s no surprise that most of my new works starting with JAZA has use Improvisation to explore possibilities. Sometime we improvisers forget that Improv is a tool to explore scripted works.
For many of these projects I was lucky enough to use actors to develop these stories and characters. Actors willing to explore ideas which that had not been written yet. I found that improvising first, help with developing the personality of the characters. Letting the actors explore those personalities first for me help cultivate and influence the dialog in the writing. It also help me figure out where the characters needed to go in terms of the story arch.
Now I don’t recommend using improv to develop all your scripts but in my case I was writing for the actors casted for a particular role. Some actors felt awkward about the process but in the end improvising to help create the script was extremely helpful. In two weeks I’ll be doing it all over again when On The Spot presents one more 24 hour challenge this time creating a 15 minute one act play. Please join me on March 13 and 14 as we present Break Legs or Die Trying 24 hour play challenge.
Photo courtesy of Cheyne Gallarde, Firebird Photography, Miss Catwings, Chinatown mysteries hi, and A slice of Danger
In photo Kaitlin Souza and Garrick Paikai in A slice of Danger.