Clocked! Improv Class Notes

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