Instructor: Aaron Haber
Date Taken: October 2008
When I first started taking classes in NYC, I found a description of one called Clocked! by Aaron from the Broadway Comedy Club. The idea of the class was to learn a form that involved a series of 30-second and 10-second scenes.
While I don’t know that it makes for a great performance form, there are some great things you can learn from doing such short scenes. Here are some of the key notes from the class.
Class Notes:
- Most important thing you can have as a performer is the 3: C’s::
- (1) Commitment – give 100% to whatever you are doing (character, partner, etc). : Anything less is unacceptable:
- (2) Confidence – you have confidence if you think you have confidence:
- (3) Charisma – combo of the other two; commitment + confidence = charisma:
- General improv rule of thumb – give one piece of information then let your partner speak (it goes back and forth):
- Scenes are about relationships. : They should also be the most important scene/moment in that relationship:
- You are no longer allowed to judge yourself, that’s why you have a director.
- You don’t have the right to edit your own scenes, the rest of your team does.:
- Main improv rules::
- (1) Don’t deny:
- (2) Don’t ask unproductive questions:
- (3) Keep things in the present tense:
- (4) Start all scenes with action and intention:
- (5) Start with intention – your character should have an objective:
- The audience doesn’t stop watching during those 15 seconds it takes you to get ready:
- Get into your scenes quicker by starting with intention and immediately from the backline:
- Keep everything in the moment:
- Today’s the day you …. (momentous occasion):
- Either stick to your guns or make sure you resolve completely:
- REACT to the other person’s choice:
- Don’t be coy, and don’t drop your shit:
