The FA Blog
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Stories, tips, news, and behind-the-scenes goss from London’s home of improv.
For Improv Nerds
Is Improv Really About Thinking Quickly?
When something hilarious happens, it’s less that the improviser has thought of something at lightning speed, than they’ve tapped into a little bit of honesty or trusted their own idiosyncrasy.
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Discovering Improv
Why “Yes, And” Matters So Much In Improv (And In Life)
“Yes, and” is a practice in generosity: to your scene partners, to yourself, and to the audience.
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For Improv Nerds
Your First Line Shouldn’t Be The Funniest
Getting a huge laugh at the top then limping your way to an edit does not make for a great scene.
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For Improv Nerds
Is There A Better Way To Say “Game Of The Scene”?
In class, I find that the students who were frowning very hard when I asked them “what’s the Game of your scene?” could talk at length about what they found “fun”.
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For Improv Nerds
What Are “Good Questions” In Improv?
Yes, there are questions that can stall momentum, but there are also times when it feels vital a character asks a question.
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For Improv Nerds
Can We Treat “Voice-of-Reason” As A Verb, Rather Than A Noun?
Try reframing the Voice-of-Reason as an activity, not a role. Instead of a noun (a thing you are), try thinking of it as a verb (a move you do).
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Discovering Improv
What Is Long-Form Improv?
We specialise in long-form improv here at The FA. But what does it actually involve, what makes it different, and what is so great about it?
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Discovering Improv
What Is Premise-based Improv?
How does premise‑based improv actually work, and how do we teach it at The Free Association?
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Discovering Improv
What Is Narrative Improv?
Narrative improv is what happens when we follow characters, build relationships, raise the stakes and create a satisfying ending, without a script.
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Discovering Improv
What Is Organic Improv?
Discover why organic improv is often referred to as the purest form of improv, the skills you need to do it, and how we teach it at the FA.
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