Improvisational comedy techniques. Play the Improv Comedy Practice and Techniques trivia quiz solo to sharpen your knowledge, or challenge a friend head-to-head in Trivia Tango — every question comes with an explanation so you learn as you play. Questions span every level, from easy warm-ups to expert-level stumpers, so there's a real challenge here however much you already know.
A mix of easy, medium and hard — questions run from warm-up to expert, so there's a real challenge at every level. Think you know the answers? Play to find out.
This two-word phrase, often called the golden rule of improv, requires performers to accept and build upon their scene partner's contributions.
Difficulty: EasyIn Del Close's philosophy, this term describes the audience's willingness to accept impossible or absurd premises if presented with confidence and commitment.
Difficulty: MediumThis Johnstone technique uses literal masks to free performers from self-consciousness, allowing more extreme and uninhibited character work.
Difficulty: HardIn improv, this term describes any verbal or physical contribution a performer makes that their scene partner can respond to.
Difficulty: EasyThis long-form format features a series of unconnected scenes, each inspired by the same suggestion but not required to share characters or storylines.
Difficulty: MediumThis technique from the Annoyance Theatre involves performers making the absolute boldest choice possible in every moment, without hedging.
Difficulty: HardThis improv venue, founded in Chicago in 1959 by Paul Sills, Bernie Sahlins, and Howard Alk, launched the careers of countless comedy legends.
Difficulty: EasyThis Chicago-based improv teacher co-founded iO Theater with Del Close and authored "Truth in Comedy," a foundational text on long-form improv.
Difficulty: Medium