Improv What Is Improv? Is It Really Made Up? Where Did Improv Come From? Can You Learn To Be Funny? Who Teaches Improv? Can I Be Famous? How Long Does It Take? What Is Long vs. Short Form? How Can I Start Performing?

Terminology Blue Dying Killing Long Form Scene Set Short Form Sketch Skit

Where Did Improv Come From?

Improvisational theater is as old as the verbal story-telling tradition. Ancient epics, such as Beowulf, was passed down from generation to generation in an oral tradition, with each succeeding generation making "adjustments" as they went on. This was to adjust to any then-current audience. Much as a parent telling a story to a child, the child will direct the story based on his/her responses.

This tradition became more formalized with the Commedia Dell'Arte in Europe from the mid-1500's to the 18th century. Traveling troubadores would present shows on makeshift stages in public squares. Dialog was improvised within an outline provided by a set "scenario".

While other versions rose over the years, the modern version sprung more from training of actors than an attempt at creating a new art form. In an attempt to assist actors in analyzing action and subtext in scripts, improvisation was created. Acting without pre-written scripts and utilizing "games" to assist in generating new material, they discovered that some comedy was coming out of their efforts.

Funny? Hey, maybe we can do this in front of people and charge money?

Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone and Del Close are closely associated with these efforts.

More information on the history of improv is available on the Improv Miami website.

Various additional questions you may have about improv are answered through the links to questions asked above. You can also simply see a show or look at the Improv Miami website for some more answers. If you still have questions, email us at info@chicagocomedyguide.com and we will try to answer your questions.