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Improvisational theatre, commonly referred to as improv, is characterized by its reliance on pre-written scripts and meticulously planned scenes.
Answer: False
Improvisational theatre is fundamentally characterized by the spontaneous creation of dialogue, action, story, and characters by performers, rather than adherence to pre-written scripts.
The Atellan Farce, originating in 391 BC, is recognized as the earliest well-documented instance of improvisational theatre in Western history.
Answer: True
The Atellan Farce, an ancient Roman form of popular comedy, is historically recognized as the earliest well-documented instance of improvisational theatre in Western civilization.
Commedia dell'arte performers in Italy, from the 16th to the 18th centuries, exclusively performed from fully scripted plays.
Answer: False
Commedia dell'arte performers during the 16th to 18th centuries improvised their performances based on general plot outlines, rather than adhering strictly to fully scripted plays.
Modern theatrical improvisation games originated primarily as exercises for professional actors in the late 20th century.
Answer: False
Modern theatrical improvisation games emerged earlier, primarily as drama exercises for children and as part of the progressive education movement in the early 20th century.
What is the fundamental characteristic of improvisational theatre?
Answer: Spontaneous creation of dialogue, action, and characters by performers.
The fundamental characteristic of improvisational theatre is the spontaneous creation of dialogue, action, story, and characters by the performers, distinguishing it from scripted performance.
Which ancient Roman form of popular comedy is considered the earliest well-documented instance of improvisational theatre in Western history?
Answer: The Atellan Farce
The Atellan Farce, originating in ancient Rome, is recognized as the earliest well-documented instance of improvisational theatre within Western historical records.
Konstantin Stanislavski and Jacques Copeau were theatrical theorists who incorporated improvisation into their acting training during the 1910s.
Answer: True
During the 1890s, influential theatrical theorists Konstantin Stanislavski and Jacques Copeau integrated improvisation into their pedagogical approaches to acting training.
Viola Spolin's book *Improvisation For The Theater* was the first publication to offer specific techniques for learning and teaching improvisational theatre.
Answer: True
Viola Spolin's seminal work, *Improvisation For The Theater*, published in 1963, was the first comprehensive text to detail specific techniques for the pedagogy of improvisational theatre.
Keith Johnstone is known for inventing Theatresports and authoring the book *Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre*, which influenced improvisational comedy.
Answer: True
Keith Johnstone, a significant figure in improvisational theatre, is credited with developing Theatresports and authoring the influential book *Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre*.
The Compass Players were the first organized improv troupe in Los Angeles, founded by Paul Sills.
Answer: False
The Compass Players, considered the first organized improv troupe in Chicago, were founded by Paul Sills and David Shepherd, not in Los Angeles.
Viola Spolin's protégé, Jo Forsberg, developed her methods into a formal course at The Players Workshop, the first official school of improvisation in the United States.
Answer: True
Jo Forsberg, a protégé of Viola Spolin, formalized Spolin's improvisational methods into a curriculum at The Players Workshop, establishing it as the first official school of improvisation in the United States.
Many original cast members of *Saturday Night Live* originated from The Second City, demonstrating the troupe's influence.
Answer: True
The Second City, a renowned improvisational theatre troupe, served as a significant training ground and origin point for many of the original cast members of the influential television program *Saturday Night Live*.
ComedySportz, founded in Milwaukee in 1984 by Dick Chudnow, is now known internationally as CSz Worldwide.
Answer: True
ComedySportz, established in Milwaukee in 1984 by Dick Chudnow, has expanded globally and is now recognized internationally under the name CSz Worldwide.
The Committee theater in New York City was a significant venue for improvisational performance on the West Coast during the 1960s.
Answer: False
The Committee theater, a significant venue for improvisational performance in the 1960s, was located in San Francisco, not New York City, and was influential on the West Coast.
Actors like Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell began their careers in longform improv.
Answer: True
Prominent actors such as Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell initiated their professional careers through engagement with longform improvisational theatre.
The Open Theatre, founded in New York City, explored political and social issues through an improvisational process.
Answer: True
The Open Theatre, an avant-garde group established in New York City, utilized an improvisational process to explore political, artistic, and social issues.
The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater (BNW) in Minneapolis, founded in 1958, is the nation's longest-running theater of its kind.
Answer: True
The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater (BNW), established in Minneapolis in 1958, holds the distinction of being the longest-running theatre of its kind in the United States.
Viola Spolin, Del Close, and Keith Johnstone are considered foundational figures in improvisational theatre.
Answer: True
Viola Spolin, Del Close, and Keith Johnstone are widely recognized as foundational figures whose contributions have significantly shaped the development of improvisational theatre.
David Shepherd's vision for The Compass Players was to create a 'people's Theatre' for elite urban audiences.
Answer: False
David Shepherd's vision for The Compass Players was to establish a 'people's Theatre' aimed at serving working-class audiences, not elite urban ones.
The Groundlings, an influential improv theatre in Los Angeles, was founded by Del Close.
Answer: False
The influential improv theatre and training center, The Groundlings, located in Los Angeles, was founded by Gary Austin, not Del Close.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) significantly shaped the modern improv landscape with venues and schools in New York and Los Angeles.
Answer: True
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary improvisational theatre landscape through its established venues and educational institutions in New York and Los Angeles.
Which theatrical theorists heavily incorporated improvisation into their acting training during the 1890s?
Answer: Konstantin Stanislavski and Jacques Copeau
Konstantin Stanislavski and Jacques Copeau were prominent theatrical theorists who integrated improvisation into their acting training methodologies during the 1890s.
Viola Spolin is credited with developing specific improvisation exercises and codifying them in which influential book?
Answer: Improvisation For The Theater
Viola Spolin codified her specific improvisation exercises and techniques in her seminal book, *Improvisation For The Theater*.
What significant contribution did Keith Johnstone make to improvisational comedy?
Answer: He invented Theatresports and authored *Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre*.
Keith Johnstone's significant contributions to improvisational comedy include the invention of Theatresports and the authorship of the influential book *Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre*.
The Compass Players, considered the first organized improv troupe in Chicago, were influenced by which foundational figure?
Answer: Viola Spolin
The Compass Players, recognized as Chicago's first organized improv troupe, were significantly influenced by the improvisational theories and practices of Viola Spolin.
Which troupe, formed after The Compass Players, became a major hub for the modern Chicago improvisational comedy movement?
Answer: The Second City
Following the legacy of The Compass Players, The Second City emerged as a pivotal institution and a major center for the development of modern improvisational comedy in Chicago.
How did Viola Spolin's training methods influence The Second City?
Answer: Her methods became the foundation for modern improv training at the troupe.
Viola Spolin's improvisational training methods formed the foundational basis for the pedagogical approach adopted by The Second City, significantly shaping its training programs.
Which of the following actors is mentioned as having begun their career in longform improv?
Answer: Steve Carell
Steve Carell is cited as one of the actors who commenced their professional careers through engagement with longform improvisational theatre.
What was the primary focus of The Open Theatre, an avant-garde group founded in New York City?
Answer: To explore political, artistic, and social issues through improvisation.
The Open Theatre, an avant-garde group based in New York City, primarily focused on exploring political, artistic, and social issues through its improvisational processes.
What is the historical significance of the Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater (BNW)?
Answer: It is the longest-running theater of its kind in the nation.
The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theater (BNW) in Minneapolis holds historical significance as the longest-running theatre of its kind in the United States, having been founded in 1958.
Which of the following is NOT considered a foundational figure in the development of improvisational theatre according to the source?
Answer: Mike Leigh
According to the provided source material, Viola Spolin, Del Close, and Keith Johnstone are identified as foundational figures in improvisational theatre, while Mike Leigh is primarily noted for his work in film.
What was David Shepherd's vision for The Compass Players?
Answer: To bring political drama to working-class audiences in Chicago.
David Shepherd's vision for The Compass Players was to establish a 'people's Theatre' dedicated to presenting political drama to working-class audiences in Chicago.
What is the significance of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB)?
Answer: It significantly shaped the modern improv landscape with venues and schools.
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) holds significant importance for its role in shaping the contemporary improvisational theatre landscape through its influential venues and educational programs.
The improv principle 'Yes, and...' is compared to Milton Erickson's utilization process and acceptance-based psychotherapies.
Answer: True
The improvisational principle of 'Yes, and...' shares conceptual similarities with Milton Erickson's utilization process and acceptance-based psychotherapies, highlighting a common theme of acknowledging and building upon existing elements.
Improvisers typically avoid audience interaction, preferring to work in isolation.
Answer: False
Improvisers often actively engage with the audience, frequently soliciting suggestions to inspire scenes, which is contrary to working in isolation.
An 'offer' in improv is a rejection of a previous contribution made by another performer.
Answer: False
In improvisational theatre, an 'offer' is defined as a contribution made by a performer that establishes an element of the scene's reality, such as defining a character, relationship, or setting, not a rejection.
'Blocking' in improv occurs when a performer accepts and builds upon an offer made by another.
Answer: False
'Blocking' in improv refers to the act of rejecting or failing to accept an offer made by another performer, thereby hindering the scene's progression.
The 'Yes, and...' principle involves accepting an offer and then adding a new element to build the scene.
Answer: True
The fundamental improvisational technique known as 'Yes, and...' requires performers to accept an offer made by a fellow performer and subsequently add a new element, thereby collaboratively building the scene.
'Space object work' or 'space work' involves performers using mime to create imaginary props and environments.
Answer: True
'Space object work,' a technique notably developed by Viola Spolin, utilizes mime to construct imaginary props and environments within the performance space.
Improvisers primarily rely on pre-planned character arcs and motivations.
Answer: False
Improvisers typically develop characters and their motivations spontaneously during the performance, rather than relying primarily on pre-planned arcs.
Scene changes in improv are often managed by performers running in front of the scene or tapping characters in and out.
Answer: True
Common methods for managing scene transitions in improvisational theatre include performers running across the stage to signal a change or by performers tapping characters into and out of the performance space. Those not actively in a scene may stand at the periphery and enter or exit by stepping into the performance area.
What is the improv principle known as 'Yes, and...'?
Answer: Accepting an offer and adding a new element to build the scene.
The 'Yes, and...' principle in improv mandates that performers accept an offer made by a scene partner and then contribute a new element to advance the scene collaboratively.
What is 'blocking' in the context of improvisational theatre?
Answer: Rejecting or failing to accept an offer made by another performer.
'Blocking' in improvisational theatre refers to the act of rejecting or failing to acknowledge an offer made by another performer, which impedes the development of the scene.
How do improvisers typically involve the audience in their performances?
Answer: By soliciting suggestions to inspire scenes.
Improvisers commonly involve the audience by soliciting suggestions, which serve as inspiration for scene development and demonstrate the unscripted nature of the performance.
Modern improvisational comedy is primarily divided into two categories: shortform and longform.
Answer: True
The predominant categorization of modern improvisational comedy distinguishes between shortform, characterized by brief, game-based scenes, and longform, which involves interconnected scenes building a larger narrative.
Shortform improv typically involves creating interconnected scenes that build a larger narrative or thematic structure.
Answer: False
Shortform improv is typically characterized by self-contained, game-based scenes, whereas longform improv involves interconnected scenes that build a larger narrative or thematic structure.
Longform improv features self-contained, game-based scenes that are unrelated to each other.
Answer: False
Longform improv is distinguished by its interconnected scenes, which build upon each other to create a larger narrative or thematic structure, contrasting with the self-contained nature of shortform scenes.
The Harold is a longform improv structure developed by Viola Spolin.
Answer: False
The Harold, a prominent longform improv structure, was developed by Del Close, a key figure in the Chicago improv scene.
The Improvisational Olympics (IO) training centers are credited with developing the fundamental structure for modern longform improvisation.
Answer: True
The training centers associated with the Improvisational Olympics (IO) are recognized for their role in developing the foundational structures that underpin contemporary longform improvisational theatre.
What is the primary characteristic of shortform improv?
Answer: Creating brief scenes based on games or structures, often from audience suggestions.
Shortform improv is primarily characterized by the creation of brief, self-contained scenes that are often derived from games or structures, frequently incorporating audience suggestions.
What distinguishes longform improv from shortform improv?
Answer: Longform interrelates short scenes through story or characters, unlike shortform's self-contained scenes.
The primary distinction between longform and shortform improv lies in their structure: longform improv interrelates multiple short scenes through narrative or character development, whereas shortform improv features self-contained scenes.
Who developed 'The Harold,' a well-known longform improv structure?
Answer: Del Close
'The Harold,' a foundational structure in longform improvisation, was developed by Del Close, a significant figure in the evolution of improvisational theatre.
Joan Littlewood was prosecuted twice for allowing actors to improvise during performances due to British law requiring script approval.
Answer: True
English director Joan Littlewood faced prosecution on two occasions for permitting improvisation in performances, stemming from a British law that mandated script approval by the Lord Chamberlain's Office.
Netprov is a form of online theatrical improvisation developed by Rob Wittig and Mark C. Marino that uses virtual reality environments.
Answer: False
Netprov, developed by Rob Wittig and Mark C. Marino, is a form of online theatrical improvisation that utilizes social media platforms, not virtual reality environments.
Playback Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed are examples of improvisational theatre forms that are exclusively comedic.
Answer: False
Playback Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed are recognized as improvisational theatre forms that often explore social, political, or personal themes and are not exclusively comedic.
Action Theatre, developed by Ruth Zaporah, treats language, movement, and voice with equal importance in its physically based improvisation.
Answer: True
Action Theatre, a form of physically based improvisation pioneered by Ruth Zaporah, emphasizes the equal significance of language, movement, and voice in its practice.
The field of applied improvisation, focused on using improv principles outside performance, emerged in the early 1980s.
Answer: False
The field of applied improvisation, which leverages improv principles beyond performance contexts, emerged in the late 1990s.
Stephen Colbert advised graduates to embrace life as the greatest improvisation, encouraging them to 'say yes' to the unknown.
Answer: True
In a commencement address, Stephen Colbert encouraged graduates to view life as a grand improvisation, advocating for embracing the unknown by saying 'yes'.
Tina Fey's book *Bossypants* outlines improv rules that are applicable in the workplace.
Answer: True
Tina Fey, in her book *Bossypants*, articulates principles derived from improvisation that are relevant and applicable to professional environments.
Eberhard Scheiffele explored the concept of altered states of consciousness (ASC) in relation to actors and improvisers.
Answer: True
Eberhard Scheiffele's scholarly work investigated the phenomenon of altered states of consciousness (ASC) as experienced by actors and improvisers during performance.
G. William Farthing suggests that acting can alter most of the 14 dimensions of changed subjective experience characteristic of altered states of consciousness.
Answer: True
According to G. William Farthing, the practice of acting has the potential to modify a significant majority of the 14 dimensions associated with altered states of consciousness.
Improvisational theatre is associated with cognitive benefits such as reduced creativity and increased anxiety.
Answer: False
Improvisational theatre is generally associated with positive cognitive benefits, including enhanced creativity, improved ability to manage uncertainty, and strengthened narrative skills, rather than reduced creativity or increased anxiety.
Improv training has been recommended for couples therapy and for the training of therapists.
Answer: True
Improvisational training has been suggested as a beneficial methodology for couples therapy and for enhancing the skills of therapists themselves.
Many European improv groups since the 1990s have focused on abstract and surreal elements, often incorporating dance and music.
Answer: True
Since the 1990s, a notable trend among European improvisational theatre groups has been the exploration of abstract and surreal themes, frequently integrating elements such as dance and music.
Jonathan Fox founded Playback Theatre in 1975, focusing on replaying audience members' stories.
Answer: True
Jonathan Fox established Playback Theatre in 1975, a form of improvised community theatre centered on enacting stories shared by audience members.
Alan Alda's book *If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?* explores how improvisation can improve communication, particularly within the sciences.
Answer: True
Alan Alda's book, *If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?*, examines the capacity of improvisation to enhance communication skills, with a particular focus on its application within scientific contexts.
How are improvisational techniques applied outside of performance, according to the source?
Answer: As an educational tool in classrooms and businesses for skill enhancement.
Improvisational techniques are applied outside of performance primarily as educational tools in academic and professional settings to enhance skills such as communication and problem-solving.
Which of the following is cited as an example of a non-comedic, experimental improvisational theatre form?
Answer: Playback Theatre
Playback Theatre is cited as an example of an improvisational theatre form that is often non-comedic and experimental, focusing on replaying audience stories.
What is Action Theatre, developed by Ruth Zaporah?
Answer: A physically based improvisation form treating language, movement, and voice equally.
Action Theatre, developed by Ruth Zaporah, is a physically based improvisational form that emphasizes the equal importance of language, movement, and voice.
When did the field of applied improvisation emerge, and what is its main purpose?
Answer: Late 1990s; to utilize improv principles outside performance for development.
The field of applied improvisation emerged in the late 1990s with the primary purpose of utilizing improvisational principles and techniques beyond traditional performance contexts for developmental purposes.
What advice did Stephen Colbert give regarding life and improvisation?
Answer: Embrace life as improvisation and 'say yes' to the unknown.
Stephen Colbert advised embracing life as a form of improvisation, encouraging individuals to accept the unknown by saying 'yes'.
What cognitive benefits are associated with improvisational theatre?
Answer: Enhanced creativity, better handling of uncertainty, and strengthened narrative skills.
Improvisational theatre is associated with significant cognitive benefits, including enhanced creativity, improved capacity to navigate uncertainty, and strengthened narrative skills.
Early silent filmmakers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton strictly adhered to pre-written scripts and never improvised.
Answer: False
Early silent filmmakers such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton frequently employed improvisation during filming, developing gags and adapting plots spontaneously.
The Marx Brothers were known for strictly following their film scripts without deviation or ad-libs.
Answer: False
The Marx Brothers were renowned for their improvisational style, often deviating from scripts and incorporating ad-libbed material into their performances.
Director Mike Leigh's method involves minimal improvisation, focusing solely on pre-planned character moments.
Answer: False
Director Mike Leigh is known for his extensive use of improvisation in film creation, often developing significant character moments through spontaneous exploration rather than solely relying on pre-planned elements.
John Cassavetes, Robert Altman, Christopher Guest, and Rob Reiner are noted American directors who incorporate improvisation in their films.
Answer: True
Several prominent American film directors, including John Cassavetes, Robert Altman, Christopher Guest, and Rob Reiner, are recognized for their significant incorporation of improvisational techniques in their filmmaking.
The television program *What Happens Now?*, which premiered in 1949, featured actors improvising skits based on viewer suggestions.
Answer: True
The early television program *What Happens Now?*, debuting in 1949, was notable for its format where actors improvised skits derived from suggestions provided by the viewing audience.
Which television series significantly popularized the shortform improv format?
Answer: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
The television series *Whose Line Is It Anyway?* played a significant role in popularizing the shortform improvisational theatre format among a broad audience.
How did early silent filmmakers like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton use improvisation?
Answer: They developed gags on set and adjusted plots spontaneously.
Early silent filmmakers such as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton frequently incorporated improvisation into their filmmaking process, developing gags and modifying plots during production.
What was the Marx Brothers' characteristic approach to film scripts?
Answer: They often deviated from scripts, incorporating ad-libs into their routines.
The Marx Brothers were known for their distinctive approach of deviating from film scripts and integrating ad-libbed material into their comedic performances.
Which renowned American director is noted for using improvisation extensively, sometimes creating character moments not included in the final film?
Answer: Mike Leigh
Director Mike Leigh is recognized for his extensive use of improvisation, often developing character moments through spontaneous exploration that may not appear in the final cinematic product.