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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Improv tip: When other characters have focus in a scene, try some small activity work in the background to "keep alive." Be careful not to let it become distracting!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
August 26, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Improv tip: When other characters have focus in a scene, try some small activity work in the background to "keep alive." Be careful not to let it become distracting!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
Today is the two-year publication anniversary of The Improv Illusionist book. If you've read it, I'd love your honest feedback and questions. Online reviews anywhere really help my work - thank you!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #improvbooks
@BloomsburyAcademic
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #improvbooks
@BloomsburyAcademic
August 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Today is the two-year publication anniversary of The Improv Illusionist book. If you've read it, I'd love your honest feedback and questions. Online reviews anywhere really help my work - thank you!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #improvbooks
@BloomsburyAcademic
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #improvbooks
@BloomsburyAcademic
Improvisers: Try the "outside-in" approach to characters! Instead of thinking about motivations & behaviour, just enter the scene with any random physicality. You can then figure out who you are from the reactions you get.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
August 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Improvisers: Try the "outside-in" approach to characters! Instead of thinking about motivations & behaviour, just enter the scene with any random physicality. You can then figure out who you are from the reactions you get.
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday
Huge archive of physical improv articles - from object work & physical characters to safety & performance notes.
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter & get new "big ideas" direct to your inbox.
🔗 Links in comments!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter & get new "big ideas" direct to your inbox.
🔗 Links in comments!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
August 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Huge archive of physical improv articles - from object work & physical characters to safety & performance notes.
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter & get new "big ideas" direct to your inbox.
🔗 Links in comments!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter & get new "big ideas" direct to your inbox.
🔗 Links in comments!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter
Emotional safety (aka psychological safety) is important to all improvisers. Promote open and safer spaces with the resources I've compiled - a starting point for all members of the community.
Link in comments below! 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Link in comments below! 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
August 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Emotional safety (aka psychological safety) is important to all improvisers. Promote open and safer spaces with the resources I've compiled - a starting point for all members of the community.
Link in comments below! 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Link in comments below! 👇
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature
Improv tip: Do you have trouble remembering where you place your space objects? Put a few tape marks on your stage and place objects relative to those. This helps you avoid walking through objects too!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
August 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Improv tip: Do you have trouble remembering where you place your space objects? Put a few tape marks on your stage and place objects relative to those. This helps you avoid walking through objects too!
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip
#improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip