Improvisation for screenwriting

by Jordan Imiola

​If you’ve ever taken an improv class at Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade, I.O., or The Groundlings then you've probably discovered that there’s several techniques in improvisation that can improve humor when writing comedy.  If you're having trouble making a scene funny,  try to apply some improvisation techniques. These are several Improvisation techniques that can be used for screenwriting comedy. 

• Show, don't tell. 
• Every line should push the scene forward.
• The scene should always be taken seriously by the characters in the scene.
• If something seems like the obvious thing to do then do something else.
• Find Ways to heighten the scene. 
• Be specific. 
• Less is more.
• Keep it simple.
• Start in the middle.
• Position the payoff. 
• Nothing is funnier than the truth. 
• No one laughs when confused.
• The audience is most important. 
• Make sure the audience agrees with your opinion. 
• Characters that have flaws are good characters to play with. 
• In each scene, every character has a specific attitude.
• Look for the game within your scene. When you find it, play the game. 
• Let your environment affect you. 
• Try  to incorporate rhythm into the scene. Each line, character, beat, entrance, and exits affects the rhythm.
• Make accidents work. 
• Do not be desperate for laughs. 
• Do not attempt to parody anything unless you know absolutely everything about what you are parodying.
• Dirty words are not funny when they are used too much.

The Queens of Modern Comedy who became pros at Improv before writing for their own shows.