In this workshop, we'll practice emotional/relationship driven two person scenes inspired by the way actors approach scripted scenes. We end up doing the type of scenes that we imagine. So, why not imagine a play?
When two actors are given a script, they're told what to say, but they have to figure out how their characters behave, what they feel, and how the characters interact. They'll comb through the lines looking for clues as to how they motivate and affect each other. On what line should I have a reaction? How do my emotions shift? This is how they bring it to life and make you care. Whether they're decorating the gym for the big dance or hiding from Godzilla, the heart of the scene is what is happening between the two people.
In improv, we can take the same approach, although perhaps reversed. Start with your own character's behavior and mood. Begin the scene as if you know who you are and what's going on. Treat everything that happens, even a pause, with the confidence that it's there intentionally. Connect and interact with your scene partner. Be affected by them. You may find this is easier than scripted acting though because you get to react whenever and however feels true to you. Don't worry if the relationship title or situation hasn't been declared. Since you're leading with your heart more than your brain, you might not know all the details of what's going on yet, but you're feeling and showing how these two people are together and what type of situation they're in. When you do figure it out, you'll be in a scenario you didn't plan, which is fun, and the audience is more likely to care about the characters. The resulting scene could be absurd, comedic, thought provoking or even touching, but it is unlikely to be boring.
This workshop is facilitated by Peter Schell. This workshop is meant for improvisers who have taken 3+ classes.
This workshop will take place on 2026-09-20 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at StartingBlock. $15 for the workshop.
StartingBlock can be a confusing place to locate! Give yourself extra time to find it. We will gather on the southeast side of the American Family Insurance building that houses StartingBlock. This is the entrance of the building that faces Vintage Brewing Company and has some modern art sculptures nearby. StartingBlock’s address is 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI, 53703. A map to the StartingBlock meeting space is on this page.
In this workshop, we'll practice emotional/relationship driven two person scenes inspired by the way actors approach scripted scenes. We end up doing the type of scenes that we imagine. So, why not imagine a play?
When two actors are given a script, they're told what to say, but they have to figure out how their characters behave, what they feel, and how the characters interact. They'll comb through the lines looking for clues as to how they motivate and affect each other. On what line should I have a reaction? How do my emotions shift? This is how they bring it to life and make you care. Whether they're decorating the gym for the big dance or hiding from Godzilla, the heart of the scene is what is happening between the two people.
In improv, we can take the same approach, although perhaps reversed. Start with your own character's behavior and mood. Begin the scene as if you know who you are and what's going on. Treat everything that happens, even a pause, with the confidence that it's there intentionally. Connect and interact with your scene partner. Be affected by them. You may find this is easier than scripted acting though because you get to react whenever and however feels true to you. Don't worry if the relationship title or situation hasn't been declared. Since you're leading with your heart more than your brain, you might not know all the details of what's going on yet, but you're feeling and showing how these two people are together and what type of situation they're in. When you do figure it out, you'll be in a scenario you didn't plan, which is fun, and the audience is more likely to care about the characters. The resulting scene could be absurd, comedic, thought provoking or even touching, but it is unlikely to be boring.
This workshop is facilitated by Peter Schell. This workshop is meant for improvisers who have taken 3+ classes.
This workshop will take place on 2026-09-20 from 1:00pm to 3:30pm at StartingBlock. $15 for the workshop.
StartingBlock can be a confusing place to locate! Give yourself extra time to find it. We will gather on the southeast side of the American Family Insurance building that houses StartingBlock. This is the entrance of the building that faces Vintage Brewing Company and has some modern art sculptures nearby. StartingBlock’s address is 821 E Washington Ave 2nd floor, Madison, WI, 53703. A map to the StartingBlock meeting space is on this page.
