As part of my improv class on Sundays we’re working on a beated script.
What? Scripted improv?
Yeah, it’s possible. We’re not scripting the whole thing, but we’re writing out what the few “beats” are in each scene. A beat would be a key point in each scene that needs to be hit in order to advance the story. With those beats in mind we improvise around them to create the story. So yeah, we’re still making it all up, just within a framework of sorts. Sounds hard doesn’t it? I mean, how do you make sure the choices you make don’t suck? Well, we’ve also been developing all of these characters with a lot of depth. Over the weeks we’ve come to know these characters inside and out so we know what their motives are and how they would act and react in situations. I can only trust that it will work out.
I am enjoying my character. I guess I won’t give too much away about him but his name is Oscar. He’s a middle-aged well-loved community figure with a bad leg. He lives on a large compound has a bit of a fear of police. He has a past that he doesn’t like talking about it. I’ve given this guy a gruff voice. He’s gruff because he’s been around and he’s seen it all. He’s a bit world weary and he’s just trying to live a quiet life in this quiet town. I’ve been blessed to have a fair number of one-liners in this thing. I’m going to milk it where I can without being a stage hog.
Our show is happening next Sunday right after our last class. No, that’s not enough time to rehearse. I totally wish we had more time to iron out the kinks, but that’s all we’re getting. No matter what it’ll be fun. The challenge is trying to get it all to fit within 35 minutes. Can we do it? No clue. That’s OK. We’ll muddle through somehow.
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