Excellent point about not trying to guess what your scene partner's idea is! With physical improv, one issue players have is hesitating before coming into a scene because they can't "read" their partner's object work. They don't want to get it wrong. Better to make an assumption, or at least just come in so the partner can add more detail through dialogue, etc. Getting it "wrong" isn't a mistake - it's improv.
This will make a good discussion topic for my classes. Thank you!
I've discussed this with a few improvisers recently... and you're totally right.. this would make a great class discussion. I'm going to make a note so I discuss with with mine as well!!
I remember having my mind blown a little by the Annoyance Theatre note on 'taking care of yourself' first being the most supportive thing you can do. With a bit more time on stage, it made increasing sense.
A little different, I also mentally file it next to 'sometimes your character saying 'No' is a 'Yes, And' to your scene partner's choices'. And vice-versa, a blind 'Yes' can be majorly unhelpful!
I was quite resistant when I first encountered "take care of yourself first" - it seemed to go against what I believed, but the more I delved into it (and, in all likelihood, gave it a layer of context of my own) the more I felt it was a really useful tool.
Excellent point about not trying to guess what your scene partner's idea is! With physical improv, one issue players have is hesitating before coming into a scene because they can't "read" their partner's object work. They don't want to get it wrong. Better to make an assumption, or at least just come in so the partner can add more detail through dialogue, etc. Getting it "wrong" isn't a mistake - it's improv.
This will make a good discussion topic for my classes. Thank you!
I've discussed this with a few improvisers recently... and you're totally right.. this would make a great class discussion. I'm going to make a note so I discuss with with mine as well!!
I remember having my mind blown a little by the Annoyance Theatre note on 'taking care of yourself' first being the most supportive thing you can do. With a bit more time on stage, it made increasing sense.
A little different, I also mentally file it next to 'sometimes your character saying 'No' is a 'Yes, And' to your scene partner's choices'. And vice-versa, a blind 'Yes' can be majorly unhelpful!
I was quite resistant when I first encountered "take care of yourself first" - it seemed to go against what I believed, but the more I delved into it (and, in all likelihood, gave it a layer of context of my own) the more I felt it was a really useful tool.