Black Box Theatres
Small, simple, intimate performance spaces suit us. Because of the inherent risk and deep levels of authenticity that are required, an improvised performance provides an immediacy and intimacy that are extremely engaging for an audience. They feel connected to the performers and to each other.
In theatre settings, we usually have a theme which is introduced with an evocative question (for example, “what comes from the space between us?”). Audiences are invited to submit their thoughts and/or stories on that theme, and their input is used to fuel the performance as it unfolds.
Typically, an improvised piece will have a "score" (an intention, a set of rules, some guiding form), but nothing else will be known ahead of time. Some pieces will be more abstract, some less. Count on them to move from playful to profound and back again, sometimes in one piece. Improvisation as an art form is not about showing what we can do, it's about revealing our truth in each unfolding moment.