The harlequin draws up connotations to many of Improvisiation – the act of (in a performance situation) “winging it”, doing something that isn’t planned. Now, how can improv help your magic?
Improv creates a customizable, interesting presentation of audience routines. Stuff that the audience knows isn’t scripted sticks to their minds easily. As well, improvising creates a more personal rapport for your audience. You and the audience are no longer seperated by a script.
Improv can create you some material! Believe it or not, I have produced a lot of funny bits and witty presentations through improvising. In rehearsing, I try to push my boundaries and see if I can perform a trick from another angle. I do the same live. Sometimes, something brilliant happens through improvising – and it stays in the act!
Improvising is not hard when your act is to music. Yes – my act is tight, but I always have another minute or two of music left after I’m finished with each routine. This leaves me with wiggle room to improvise.
Improvising can make you look graceful and professional. If your sound won’t play or an audience member freaks on stage, you will need to improvise to look like a showman and thus arise from a situation in a graceful manner. Otherwise, you do not look good coming out of the situation.
These are some benefits of improvising in your magic that I have experienced. To practice improv, simply go to your library and pick up books on theatre games. I strongly encourage you to take some improv classes at you local community theatre to hone in on your skills. Have fun!
Sammy
