Mapping
A technique in Harold and other long-form structures in which improvisers transpose a pattern, dynamic, or theme from one scene onto a new scene with different characters and context. Mapping creates thematic connections across a piece: if the first scene is about a controlling parent, a mapped scene might explore a controlling boss or a controlling dog trainer.
Mentioned In
Further Reading
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Business Improv
Experiential Learning Exercises to Train Employees
Val Gee
Comedy and Distinction
The Cultural Currency of a 'Good' Sense of Humour
Sam Friedman
The Routledge Companion to Improvisation in Organizations
Miguel Pina e Cunha; Dusya Vera; António Cunha Meneses
Mask Improvisation for Actor Training and Performance
the compelling image
Sears A. Eldredge
Embodied Playwriting
Improv and Acting Exercises for Writing
Hillary Haft Bucs; Charissa Menefee
The Applied Improvisation Mindset
Tools for Transforming Individuals, Organizations, and Communities
Theresa Robbins Dudeck; Caitlin McClure
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Mapping. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/mapping
The Improv Archive. "Mapping." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/mapping.
The Improv Archive. "Mapping." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/mapping. Accessed March 17, 2026.
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