Improv tip: Notice that objects in your environment are usually "typical" for that place. Want to make something happen in a scene? One idea is to discover an object that's unusual for the location. What does it say about who put it there? #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

Every improviser wants to get better. My quickest improvements have come through taking notes on my improv. Learn why, and how to do it effectively: vist.ly/5m47w And let me know how it goes for you! #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature

How to get better at improv comedy quickly • Improv Illusionist

Whether you’re a new peformer or a veteran, here’s a simple process you can use to get better at improv comedy. Free template included!

improvillusionist.com

Last call for Bloomsbury's Back-to-School sale. Get The Improv Illusionist for 30% off. Ends Sunday Oct 4th. More info about the book at the link in bio, or go to the sale here: vist.ly/5ksi6 (Offer might be slightly different depending on your country.) @bloomsburyacademic.bsky.social

My next newsletter, "How to work a festival," is coming tomorrow. Tips for making new connections at improv events. Subscribe to stay in the loop on object work, environment, and physicality in performance. vist.ly/5ki7g #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter

Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)

A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.

improvillusionist.com

Use the "Internal Painting Gift" to move away from vague scene starts and begin creating richer, more specific environments from the first beat. (Courtesy of @PVImprov) vist.ly/5kgtw #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #wednesdaywatch

Why Your Improv Feels Flat (And How to Fix It) - Internal Painting Gift

Does your improv feel flat? Learn a simple, reliable improv technique to add depth and dimension to the start of every scene.Most improvisers struggle with s...

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In improv, object work and mime are NOT the same thing! Mime is practiced for performance. It takes your focus out of the scene. Object work is engaging with the space, in character, usually with an emotion. Detail helps but is not essential. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

No improviser should suffer unsafe or unwelcome conduct. If you need support, or want to learn about creating more open & supportive theatre environments, these Emotional Safety resources are a place to start. vist.ly/5k6wc #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature

You needn't be acrobatic to be a physical improviser. Consider these choices for your next scene: 1) Proximity (how close/far away the players are) 2) Space (how much stage/theatre you use) 3) Levels (lie down/sit/stand/stand on furniture) #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

If you like my improv tips on Bluesky, consider subscribing to my monthly newsletter. Once a month, get physical improv articles, exercises, and new ideas direct to your inbox. More reliable (and substantial) than social media. vist.ly/5jejj #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist

Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)

A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.

improvillusionist.com

When improvising, it's important to consider what the audience sees, so we can maximize their understanding and experience of the show. Read my thoughts and tips for doing this in my latest article. Link below. 🔗 #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature

The audience view [3 Sep 2026]

September 2026 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. Helping the audience “see” your improvised activities. Subscribe today for physical improv tips.

improvillusionist.com

Sound effects make a great accompaniment to physical improv scenes. And you can add them yourself! Try vocalizing both environmental sounds (knocking on doors, animals in the forest) and emotional sounds (contented sigh, fearful gasp). #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

My next newsletter, "The audience view," is coming Thursday. Subscribe to get it and stay in the loop on object work, environment, and physicality in improv performance. vist.ly/5gvsi #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter

Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)

A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.

improvillusionist.com

Many improvisers jump into shows without warming up first. Try spending a few minutes stretching and breathing with everyone. It brings the group together, and when done as a habit, it primes your brain for better performance. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

Improv safety: Check yourself for injuries after a show. When performing, adrenaline can mask all kinds of injuries: pulled muscles, bumps, bruises, and scrapes. Start treating them BEFORE you feel it the next day! #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety

Three-years ago today, The Improv Illusionist book was first published. Coincidentally, Bloomsbury is having a Back-to-School Sale. Now until Oct 4th, get the book for 30% off! More info at link in bio, or go directly to the sale page here: vist.ly/5fzg3 @bloomsburyacademic.bsky.social

Treat every improv scene as YOUR scene. When you start alone on stage, you're not just waiting around for a partner. Make a choice about activity or emotion and start heightening. When a partner does join you, the scene will have solid ground. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

Use your knowledge of real-world places to enhance your scene locations. It makes you more effective and lowers the cognitive load of remembering details. Read more tips on this idea in my latest article. Link below. 🔗 #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature

Know where you are [6 Aug 2026]

August 2026 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. Using real-world knowledge to enhance scene locations. Subscribe today for physical improv tips.

improvillusionist.com

Try speaking Gibberish in your improv scenes! It forces you to pay more attention to your partners, including increased eye contact and listening. You learn to rely less on words, or at least how to supplement your dialogue nonverbally. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

My next newsletter, "Know where you are," is coming tomorrow. Subscribe to get it and stay in the loop on object work, environment, and physicality in improv performance. vist.ly/5dqmc #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter

Learning the Improv Illusion (Improv Illusionist Newsletter)

A free email series and improv newsletter about Physical Improv, a set of techniques for creating worlds on stage. Read Part 1 online now.

improvillusionist.com

Object work and environment can be intimidating. Simplify! - Do the "obvious" thing when interacting with objects. No need to be clever or original. - Focus on one thing at a time as needed by the scene. You don't have to show the whole room. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

In improv, we always say "listen to your scene partner." But are you REALLY listening? Next rehearsal, try pausing after every line said to you. Let it land. Then respond honestly. You may find it hard to do at first, but it pays off! #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

All improv theatres, companies, and groups—however informal—need a code of conduct. All improvisers need to know and agree to abide by their local code of conduct. Not exciting, but necessary. Safe improv play is everyone's responsibility. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

Variety of performance style helps make you a more adaptable improviser. If you're usually short-form, try a longer piece. If you never sing, throw a spontaneous song into your set. Look for opportunities. Worth the effort in the long-term. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

Improv tip: Sometimes other characters will get into conversation in a scene, leaving you in the background. Try some light activity work. Just take care not to distract from the main focus, and keep listening as the improviser! #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

When improvisers practice object work, common advice is to "slow down." But is this really helpful? I've got a different approach in my latest article. Link below. 🔗 #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #monthlynewsletter #mondayfeature

How to slow down [2 July 2026]

July 2026 Improv Illusionist Newsletter. Speed vs. specificity for object work: do you really need to “slow down?” Subscribe today for physical improv tips.

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Change up your improv style! Swap short-form for a longer piece. Play in Gibberish or completely silent. Anything different from routine. These are experiments - go easy on yourself with the results. But they WILL broaden your skill set. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday

When improvising objects and environments, keep it simple! - Focus on one thing at a time—the audience fills in the details themselves. - Be "obvious" with the movements for your objects and activities. They're easier to read and respond to. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip

Performing improv seems reasonably safe. But it's actually MORE dangerous than scripted theatre. Safety needs to be your first concern. Know your space, check your furniture, and keep watch for hazards throughout the show. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #tuesdaytip #improvsafety

Over 50 improv exercises to work out your physical skills! Check out my list... vist.ly/5a8uv #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #mondayfeature #improvexercises

Improv Exercises for Physical Skills

The best improv exercises for teaching environment, object work, and physicality. Includes Warm-Ups, Solo & Group Exercises, and Scene Work.

improvillusionist.com

Try some FUN object work! In improv, we can act out fantastic, bizarre, and outrageous ideas. You don't always have to choose a mundane household chore. Think about activities you love to do or interesting places you want to bring to life. #improv #physicalimprov #improvillusionist #fridaytryday