The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Improv

1 minute read | Last updated: 6 months ago

What does Improv mean?

Improv (short for improvisation) refers to a form of unscripted performance where actors create dialogue and actions in real-time without pre-written lines. In the entertainment industry, improv is used in both theater and film, often to develop characters or experiment with scenes. Many comedy shows, including live performances like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, rely on improv to entertain audiences. Improv can also be a useful tool in auditions and rehearsals, allowing actors to demonstrate creativity and spontaneity.

Example:An actor in a comedy troupe engages in improv, creating a hilarious scene on the spot based on audience suggestions.
Example: A director asks actors to improv during a rehearsal to explore different ways of delivering their lines and developing their characters.

Did You Know?
Some famous movie scenes, like the chest-burster scene in Alien, featured actor reactions that were partially improvised!

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