The Improv Archive

Improv Structures

Structures are the building blocks of improvisation: the activities, drills, and show formats that improvisers learn, practice, and perform. They fall into three broad categories.

Exercises

Focused drills for practicing specific skills: listening, agreement, character work, physicality. Done in workshops and rehearsals, rarely performed for audiences.

Games

Structured activities with rules, often performed for audiences. Many trace back to Viola Spolin's theater games and involve audience suggestions, scoring, or competition.

Formats

Full show structures that organize scenes and games into a complete performance. The Harold, the Armando, La Ronde. These define the shape of an improv show.

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