Blocking (improv)
Encyclopedia
Blocking or denial is a term used in theatrical improvisation
to describe an act of not accepting the world that has been set up, or of refusing to develop an action that another performer has 'offered'. This is the opposite of Yes, And...
In general, blocking prevents improvisers from developing stories since it tends to reduce the scene to a battle for dominance between the performers, each pulling the fiction in a different direction; this is different from the interplay involved in dramatic conflict
, in which the characters pull in different directions. Improvisation coaches can usually tell the difference between defensive blocking initiated by nervous or inexperienced improvisers and the more playful or constructive blocking that more comfortable or experienced performers may introduce.
Since we enjoy watching someone being thwarted, blocking often provokes laughter from the audience. For this reason, when improvisation is performed in comedy clubs, as opposed to theatres, blocking may become the norm; it is seen rarely in theatrical improvisation companies.
B has blocked A's offer of a swim.
Some actors block their own offers.
Sometimes, saying "yes" is a block.
B blocks A's offer that this is a dangerous situation, that the contents of the safe are valuable and so on. This is also counts as a 'gag', i.e. a joke at the expense of the story..
However, blocking can be used constructively.
B's incredulity will be shared by the audience, which may make A's offer more convincing later.
Improvisation
Improvisation is the practice of acting, singing, talking and reacting, of making and creating, in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment and inner feelings. This can result in the invention of new thought patterns, new practices, new structures or symbols, and/or...
to describe an act of not accepting the world that has been set up, or of refusing to develop an action that another performer has 'offered'. This is the opposite of Yes, And...
In general, blocking prevents improvisers from developing stories since it tends to reduce the scene to a battle for dominance between the performers, each pulling the fiction in a different direction; this is different from the interplay involved in dramatic conflict
Conflict (narrative)
In literature, Conflict is the inherent incompatibility between the objectives of two or more characters or forces. By its nature, conflict is unstable. One side must always win out in the end...
, in which the characters pull in different directions. Improvisation coaches can usually tell the difference between defensive blocking initiated by nervous or inexperienced improvisers and the more playful or constructive blocking that more comfortable or experienced performers may introduce.
Since we enjoy watching someone being thwarted, blocking often provokes laughter from the audience. For this reason, when improvisation is performed in comedy clubs, as opposed to theatres, blocking may become the norm; it is seen rarely in theatrical improvisation companies.
Examples of blocking
A: Want to go for a swim?
B: No, I can't swim.
B has blocked A's offer of a swim.
Some actors block their own offers.
A: Want to go for a swim?
B: Sure!
A: Oh, I forgot, the pool's empty.
Sometimes, saying "yes" is a block.
A: Give me all the money in the safe or you're dead.
B: Yes take it. I thought I'd never be rid of it.
B blocks A's offer that this is a dangerous situation, that the contents of the safe are valuable and so on. This is also counts as a 'gag', i.e. a joke at the expense of the story..
However, blocking can be used constructively.
A: I was sent here from Mars.
B: Don't be so stupid, Frank.
B's incredulity will be shared by the audience, which may make A's offer more convincing later.
A: No, it's true. Wait, I'll prove it.
B: What's that coming out of your forehead??