Frequently Asked Questions
What is improv comedy? Improv (or improvisational) comedy is a spontaneous and unscripted theatrical performance shaped in large part by suggestions from the audience. Are there different types of improv comedy? Yes. What type of improv comedy does Cherub Improv perform and teach? Cherub Improv performs and teaches “short-form” improv (various games, skits, and character work) and musical improv (the creation of spontaneous songs, musicals, and operas). The television show “Whose Line Is It Anyway” is a great example of a short-form improv comedy show. What is the difference between a Cherub Improv “performance” and a “workshop”? During a performance, the Improvisers perform various improv games, skits, and songs based on suggestions from the audience. During a workshop, the Improvisers demonstrate a few improv games and skits based on suggestions from the audience and then invite audience members (one or two at a time) to perform and practice improv with the Improvisers. In both the performance and the workshop, the basic “rules” of improv, and the various improv games and skits, are explained. What are some of the basic “rules” of improv? Improvisers should support each other (and help the scenes move forward) by saying “yes” to information given to them by other Improvisers and by not “denying” that information. For example, if Improviser No. 1 says to Improviser No. 2 that Improviser No. 2 is “an amazing chef” who “just made a wonderful seven-course meal,” Improviser No. 2 should accept, and not deny, that information. For example, Improviser No. 2 should say “Yes, I am a great chef and that meal was spectacular!” and not “You are mistaken, I am a professional basketball player.” Improvisers should “give the gift” of information to each other and should be selective in asking questions (which often place a burden on other Improvisers unless the questions themselves give information rather than seek it). A question that gives more information than it seeks might be, “Is that pasta you are cooking almost ready, famous chef sister of mine?” Improvisers should maintain eye contact and listen carefully to each other. Improvisers should (and do) have fun. 
 How long do Cherub Improv performances and workshops last? Performances and workshops usually last between 45 minutes and an hour. However, the duration can be be varied depending on the needs of the organization and audience. What are some examples of improv games performed and taught by Cherub Improv? During “Freeze Tag,” two Improvisers start performing a theatrical scene based on a line of dialogue suggested by the audience. The scene continues until another Improviser says “freeze,” at which point that new Improviser enters the scene (replacing one of the two original Improvisers) and begins a brand new scene based on the last line of dialogue spoken during the first scene. Now, the new scene continues until another Improviser says “freeze” and begins yet another new scene based on the last line of spoken dialogue. During “A to Z,” several Improvisers create a scene (set in a location suggested by the audience) by speaking in alphabetical order: the first Improviser who speaks starts his or her sentence with a word starting with the letter “A”, then the next Improviser starts his or her sentence with a word starting with the letter “B”, and so on until the letter “Z” is reached. The goal is to complete the scene in under 90 seconds (and, of course, to keep the dialogue in alphabetical order). During “Song,” the Improvisers -- accompanied by guitar -- create a spontaneous song combining suggestions from the audience. Recent examples include songs about “Baseball and Love,” “The Fall Season and Breaking Up,” “Horses and Jellyfish” (Seahorse, anyone?), and “Opera and Dance” -- the song you can experience by clicking here. How can my organization schedule a Cherub Improv performance or workshop? For further information regarding Cherub Improv, to schedule a performance or workshop, or to volunteer with Cherub Improv, please contact Jonathan Evan Goldberg at the following e-mail address, jonathan@cherubimprov.org, or by calling 212-CHERUB-I (212-243-7824). AngelicaTheater.htmlmailto:admin@cherubimprov.orgshapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1