Improv Illusionist
@improvillusionist.bsky.social
Book, articles, and monthly newsletter to level up your Physical Improv skills.
Curator: David Raitt
https://improvillusionist.vista.page
Curator: David Raitt
https://improvillusionist.vista.page
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If you're an improviser and love performing physically, introduce yourself to Improv Bluesky.
Say hi, tell us about yourself, and what you like to post about.
Make friends!
(Superhero icons created by Freepik - Flaticon)
Say hi, tell us about yourself, and what you like to post about.
Make friends!
(Superhero icons created by Freepik - Flaticon)
Improv tip: Object work & mime are NOT the same thing.
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improv tip: Object work & mime are NOT the same thing.
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Mime is choreographed & practiced. That's limiting for improv.
Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps, but it's not essential.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Gibberish is a made-up "language" improvisers use to practice physical and emotional expression.
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Duolingo for Gibberish [6 Nov 2025]
November 2025 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. How to learn to speak Gibberish, a made-up “language” in improv. Subscribe today for more improv ideas.
improvillusionist.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Gibberish is a made-up "language" improvisers use to practice physical and emotional expression.
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Read this article for tips on using it in scenes and learning how to speak it more fluently.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Before your next improv show, take 10 minutes for your group to warm up, stretch, and (especially) breathe.
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Before your next improv show, take 10 minutes for your group to warm up, stretch, and (especially) breathe.
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
For bringing a team together, I've found getting into your body is more effective than playing games. You can always do both!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: If you're not the active focus in a scene, some small activity work helps you stay engaged. This "business" looks more natural than just standing there. But be careful not to distract players and audience. Be ready to dial it back!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Improv tip: If you're not the active focus in a scene, some small activity work helps you stay engaged. This "business" looks more natural than just standing there. But be careful not to distract players and audience. Be ready to dial it back!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Ways to practice your improv skills away from the stage:
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Ways to practice your improv skills away from the stage:
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
1. Use solo exercises.
2. Prepare for classes in advance to get the most out of them.
3. Take notes.
Read more in the full article - link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Over the next week, people all over the world will pause to reflect on the Remembrance of those who have fought and died in war.
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
November 7, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Over the next week, people all over the world will pause to reflect on the Remembrance of those who have fought and died in war.
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
If you're doing an improv show, why not take a moment to acknowledge their sacrifices, whether in a scene or just interacting with the audience.
Lest we forget...
Tip for improv safety: Check yourself for injuries after a show. The adrenaline of performance can mask pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Start treating these before you REALLY feel them the next day.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
November 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Tip for improv safety: Check yourself for injuries after a show. The adrenaline of performance can mask pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Start treating these before you REALLY feel them the next day.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety
📖📖 Improv books are a great way to learn new ideas and deepen your understanding of improv performance.
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Improv Books: Reviews & Recommendations
Reviews of the many improv books available for actors to learn their craft. Includes books featuring physical improv skills.
improvillusionist.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
📖📖 Improv books are a great way to learn new ideas and deepen your understanding of improv performance.
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Check out my (recently updated) list of book reviews and recommendations:
vist.ly/4cpdd
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Try speaking in Gibberish in an improv scene. Great for encouraging physicality and emotional expression!
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 31, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Try speaking in Gibberish in an improv scene. Great for encouraging physicality and emotional expression!
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
(BTW, if you struggle with Gibberish, consider subscribing to my email newsletter. Next month has tips for getting more comfortable.)
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
The Hideout Theatre in Austin TX needs help to fund their next home.
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
Hideout Forever! Help Build Our Next Home.
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House needs a new home. We have provided downtown Austin with improvised theatre, training, kids classes, coffee, and community for over 25 years. Help us build the next Hideout.
fnd.us
October 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The Hideout Theatre in Austin TX needs help to fund their next home.
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
vist.ly/4c6er
Supporting improv and live theatre/comedy spaces is important in today's challenging economy. Thanks for considering a donation.
#improv #fundraiser #supportimprov #supportlivetheatre #supportlivecomedy
Improv tip: If you're starting a scene alone on stage, it's YOUR scene!
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 28, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Improv tip: If you're starting a scene alone on stage, it's YOUR scene!
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
You don't have to wait for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. You'll be even more effective when (if?) a partner joins you.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
@lloydiejl.bsky.social on Proximity in improv:
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
October 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
@lloydiejl.bsky.social on Proximity in improv:
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
"Comfortable, stationary staging, where two people stand centre stage, often contributes to feeling stuck in your head. It also looks dull to the audience."
Full article link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Are you REALLY listening to your improv partners?
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 24, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Are you REALLY listening to your improv partners?
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Next rehearsal, try a deliberate, short pause after every line said to you. Let it land. Feel what it means to you. Then do/say the most obvious, plausible thing that comes to mind next.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv tip: Like everything else in scene work, simpler is better with objects and environments. Focus on one thing at a time as you need it instead of trying to paint the whole picture at once. The audience fills in the details themselves.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Improv tip: Like everything else in scene work, simpler is better with objects and environments. Focus on one thing at a time as you need it instead of trying to paint the whole picture at once. The audience fills in the details themselves.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Want to learn the basics of physical improv?
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)
A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.
improvillusionist.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Want to learn the basics of physical improv?
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Get started here:
vist.ly/4b3n2
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Do you prefer long-form improv over short-form, or vice versa?
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Do you prefer long-form improv over short-form, or vice versa?
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Ask yourself why and really explore those reasons.
Make room for both. The skills of one can benefit the other, and make you a more resourceful and adaptable improviser.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improv safety tip: Clear the stage of furniture and physical props with every scene change or edit. Resetting the stage picture is also a visual cue that a new scene is starting.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 14, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Improv safety tip: Clear the stage of furniture and physical props with every scene change or edit. Resetting the stage picture is also a visual cue that a new scene is starting.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
How to bring more playfulness and delightful exploration to your improv:
1. Try more "fun" object work.
2. Build and break patterns.
3. Play more games in warm-ups.
More in my October newsletter.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
1. Try more "fun" object work.
2. Build and break patterns.
3. Play more games in warm-ups.
More in my October newsletter.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Playfulness [2 Oct 2025] • Improv Illusionist Newsletter
October 2025 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. How to bring more playfulness and delightful exploration to your improv. Subscribe today!
improvillusionist.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
How to bring more playfulness and delightful exploration to your improv:
1. Try more "fun" object work.
2. Build and break patterns.
3. Play more games in warm-ups.
More in my October newsletter.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
1. Try more "fun" object work.
2. Build and break patterns.
3. Play more games in warm-ups.
More in my October newsletter.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature
Next improv scene, try some FUN object work instead of the usual mundane, household activities. What's an outrageous improv idea you want to bring to life?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
October 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Next improv scene, try some FUN object work instead of the usual mundane, household activities. What's an outrageous improv idea you want to bring to life?
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Improvisers: Take the time to read your local theatre's codes of conduct and agree to abide by them. Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
October 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Improvisers: Take the time to read your local theatre's codes of conduct and agree to abide by them. Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Tips for getting better at improv:
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
September 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Tips for getting better at improv:
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
1. Take notes on shows, classes, and ideas.
2. Identify patterns and skills to work on.
3. Choose items from your list as intentions for shows.
Full article at link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Do you keep a list of improv ideas to try? Anytime you think of something cool for a scene, add it to your list. Then pick one for your next show.
One idea at a time - don't weigh yourself down by doing too much!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
One idea at a time - don't weigh yourself down by doing too much!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
September 26, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Do you keep a list of improv ideas to try? Anytime you think of something cool for a scene, add it to your list. Then pick one for your next show.
One idea at a time - don't weigh yourself down by doing too much!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
One idea at a time - don't weigh yourself down by doing too much!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
How do we keep bringing our ethics to the improv stage in a culture where comedians are being silenced?
An excellent and important article from Improv City (@mollyteeee).
🔗 Link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
An excellent and important article from Improv City (@mollyteeee).
🔗 Link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
September 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
How do we keep bringing our ethics to the improv stage in a culture where comedians are being silenced?
An excellent and important article from Improv City (@mollyteeee).
🔗 Link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
An excellent and important article from Improv City (@mollyteeee).
🔗 Link in comments. 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
My publisher @BloomsburyAcademic is having a Back to School Sale! Up to 30% off hundreds of books, including The Improv Illusionist. (Sale discount may vary by country - visit the online shop for details.) On now until Oct 5th.
vist.ly/47f9d
vist.ly/47f9d
September 19, 2025 at 4:01 PM
My publisher @BloomsburyAcademic is having a Back to School Sale! Up to 30% off hundreds of books, including The Improv Illusionist. (Sale discount may vary by country - visit the online shop for details.) On now until Oct 5th.
vist.ly/47f9d
vist.ly/47f9d
"Note compression" is a potential trap for improv students and teachers. Learn about it in my September newsletter. While you're there, subscribe so it's delivered directly to your inbox - never miss a new "big idea."
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
The danger of “note compression” [4 Sep 2025]
September 2025 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. Why improv teachers and students should watch out for “note compression.” Subscribe today!
improvillusionist.com
September 15, 2025 at 7:17 PM
"Note compression" is a potential trap for improv students and teachers. Learn about it in my September newsletter. While you're there, subscribe so it's delivered directly to your inbox - never miss a new "big idea."
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter