Revised 08/2024

CST 161 - Improvisation II (3 CR.)

Course Description

Explores the basic techniques of improvisation through short and long form exercises and the study of the history of improvisation and improvisation theory and practices. Includes more extensive study of long form and in-depth character development. Lecture 2 hour. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

For transfer into four-year theatre programs which include courses in theatre as part of their curriculum, and to prepare students for employment in theatre. 

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: CST 131, and CST 160, or permission by Instructor. Fluency in Standard American English. Recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will:

• Define the principles of long form improvisation exercises
• Discuss long form improvisation theories
• Use voice, body, and props to perform long form improvisation exercises
• Role-play situations truthfully
• Critique peer improvisations
• Create and develop believable characters
• Integrate other characters into a co-constructed reality in a scene
• Justify improvisation as a performance development tool

Major Topics to Be Included

• Long form exercises
• Improvisation as a tool for in-depth character development
• Truthfulness and reality in performance
• Movement and physicality
• Prop use
• Role-play
• Critique