Why Dramatic Improv?

Since 2012, Theatre Momentum has described our work as "Dramatic Improv". Why call it "Dramatic", rather than "Theatrical", or just "Improv"? What the hell are we getting at?

In Chicago, where TM is based, there is an expectation that the word "improv" is always silently followed by the word "comedy". Putting "dramatic" before "improv" creates an easy shorthand that helps set expectations for our standard audiences and students who might be expecting only a light, funny experience. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

My thought is that improv, like all theatre, can explore the full spectrum of human emotion, but that regular, standard "improv comedy" tends to live in the "just the funny" part of that spectrum. Dramatic Improv gets to use the whole spectrum, which is very freeing. It's a larger playground to play in.

Now, we don't do dramatic improv because no one ever laughs. We aren't only doing dark, soul-crushing scenes that are patented Serious Theatre™. But we have those options available to us, as well as the laughter. Frankly, I find the laughs I've seen in dramatic improv to be incredibly rich, fulfilling, and unexpected. I've been at this for 30 years, so I can see most improv jokes coming a mile away. It's those unexpected moments that catch me off-guard, which is wonderful.

Surprise, Vulnerability, Bravery

I love the surprise that comes with Dramatic Improv. The surprise of realistic characters reacting to one another with deep emotions, vulnerability, and honesty. It gives me such joy. It transports an audience and draws them in, in a way that the best scripted theatre can do, but with a true sense of emotional discovery that scripted theatre cannot match. There is a bravery in being so emotionally open, and that is the depth we seek.

Stepping Away from Tradition

In so many improv shows I've seen, it's striking to me that there is an absurd acting style that permeates much of the work. Actors play caricatures, impressions, and jokey versions of human beings. Sometimes they don't play human beings at all. Very seldom do I see the acting drift away into deeper moments, and on those rare occasions, those actors are rebuffed by actors who fear to explore further character dimensions. I have sat in our rehearsal studio lobby and could hear improvisors two rooms away, and simply from the cadence, timbre, and intensity of their voices, I know they're doing the absurd bits. It has a tone. There's more to theatre than that. More to improv. Theatre Momentum has stepped away from that traditional style and we explore something else.

The Challenge

Theatre Momentum's challenge to all improvisors is this: Consider yourself to be an actor. Consider yourself to be a playwright. Craft your words. Take the time to be emotionally vulnerable to your scene partner. Don't chase after the laugh. Don't chase the tears, either. Go where the story takes you, but be honest, human, and realistic. Because improv is writing. Improv is acting. Improv is theatre.

Tony Rielage
Artistic Director, Head Instructor