Hello improvisers!

The Improv Update newsletters are back. I have rebranded the show with a new name, and all of my improv content from two sites is now merged into a single site: ImprovUpdate.com.

I have a new episode of the show for you this week, too! It is now offered as a YouTube show, if you prefer visuals, and as a podcast.

Ep 24 - Grounded Improv Characters - Is "Just Be Yourself" Enough?

When learning improv, many of us are are given a piece of advice for playing the grounded character (or voice of reason): "Just react like you would in real life." This is an excellent starting point for understanding how to make a weird scenario relatable to the audience.

But then there are those of us who get into our heads about what a "your real life" reaction should be. For improvisers whose brains work in different ways like mine, or for those who have lived experiences quite different from the average of their scene partners or audience, trying to figure out "normal" can lead to overthinking and second-guessing. It can pull you out of the moment. This is the opposite of what we aim for in improv - getting out of our heads.

One solution, discussed in earlier episodes on this site and newsletter, is to play characters that seem normal to others. Even if they feel unusual to you. And now - in this latest episode - I want to explore another approach that offers greater character flexibility and dynamics... instead of aiming for a fixed "voice of reason" character in a scene, aim for dynamically balancing the characters in certain moments.

This episode isn't about abandoning grounded characters, it's about making that character more responsive and adaptable. This shift in perspective can be a useful tool. Even if you already find playing the voice of reason easy or old hat.

If you understand how to play a voice of reason, but find the "just be yourself" approach a challenge, puts you in your head, or you just want to try something new... this might be something to check out. I'll describe the benefits of considering this technique, and some examples of it in use.

In practice, you'll focus on how your character, while staying true to who they are, can provide a response that best supports the overall scenic picture. You'll offer a contrast or a complementary energy to what your scene partners are doing... instead of using a predefined "normal".

Let's talk about responsive, dynamic characters you can choose to sustain long term if you really need to.

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One site, but two improv newsletters still. If you want more improv content like this…

This newsletter, the one you are looking at right now, focuses on general topics in improv performance and learning. It's what you signed up for! But I have TWO newsletters. The other is more focused on improv and neurodiversity. So if you're interested in that, make sure you’re subscribed to my other newsletter too. It will be delivered on the weeks this one isn’t.

​Head here to sign up, and click “improv update your brain” to get on that list too.

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More improv content - Last week's episode on improv & inner monologues

Discover how your active inner voice, often seen as a distraction, can actually become a powerful tool for your improv. Find the episode and a summary here on this page at ImprovUpdate.com.

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If you’re into comedy audio fiction series…

The latest episode of improv comedy audio fiction series Grack Public Access is out. I created the series to blend improv + scripted in a custom “radio show” two-prov form. This series has full sound design production, too, for an immersive audio drama experience. And fake ads. You can get a free bonus “behind the scenes” clip by subscribing (free) to the StereoForest newsletter.

There's also the first episode of Manifesto Update available to check out. Head to the podcast's page here to find the link to the YouTube show and podcast download.

There also might be opportunities to have your voice on these shows! So check them out to see if you might be interested in a super easy, low-effort way to get involved.

Thanks for reading! I’m really happy you’re still here. Reply if you have any questions or comments!

Jen