Guerrilla improv
Encyclopedia
Guerrilla improv is a form of comedy usually done in a crowd or on the streets, as opposed to in a studio or a comedy club
. It is distinct from other forms of public performance art in that it is done to promote a cause or organization.
, guerrilla improv aims to entertain bystanders in public spaces when they are least expecting it. Each unique performance is termed a mission. Missions are similar to pranks, but are not at the expense of non-performers. Guerrilla improv differs from street improv in that it is done to promote a cause or organization. It differs from a flash mob
in that it sometimes only involves several people and may last for a considerable period of time, whereas flash mobs involve large numbers of people and are generally short.
The scenes created in guerrilla improv are developed using the techniques of improvisational theatre
. The term makes an analogy to guerrilla warfare
.
Comedy club
A comedy club is a venue, typically a nightclub, bar, or restaurant where people watch or listen to performances, including stand-up comedians, improvisational comedians, impersonators, magicians, ventriloquists and other comedy acts...
. It is distinct from other forms of public performance art in that it is done to promote a cause or organization.
Approach
A style of street improv pioneered and championed by Improv EverywhereImprov Everywhere
Improv Everywhere is a comedic performance art group based in New York City, formed in 2001 by Charlie Todd. Its slogan is "We Cause Scenes."The group carries out pranks, which they call "missions", in public places...
, guerrilla improv aims to entertain bystanders in public spaces when they are least expecting it. Each unique performance is termed a mission. Missions are similar to pranks, but are not at the expense of non-performers. Guerrilla improv differs from street improv in that it is done to promote a cause or organization. It differs from a flash mob
Flash mob
A flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, artistic expression...
in that it sometimes only involves several people and may last for a considerable period of time, whereas flash mobs involve large numbers of people and are generally short.
The scenes created in guerrilla improv are developed using the techniques of improvisational theatre
Improvisational theatre
Improvisational theatre takes many forms. It is best known as improv or impro, which is often comedic, and sometimes poignant or dramatic. In this popular, often topical art form improvisational actors/improvisers use improvisational acting techniques to perform spontaneously...
. The term makes an analogy to guerrilla warfare
Guerrilla warfare
Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular warfare and refers to conflicts in which a small group of combatants including, but not limited to, armed civilians use military tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, raids, the element of surprise, and extraordinary mobility to harass a larger and...
.
See also
- Flash mobFlash mobA flash mob is a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public place, perform an unusual and sometimes seemingly pointless act for a brief time, then disperse, often for the purposes of entertainment, satire, artistic expression...
- Improv EverywhereImprov EverywhereImprov Everywhere is a comedic performance art group based in New York City, formed in 2001 by Charlie Todd. Its slogan is "We Cause Scenes."The group carries out pranks, which they call "missions", in public places...
- The Tom Green ShowThe Tom Green ShowThe Tom Green Show is a North American television show that first aired in September 1994 on Rogers Television 22, a community channel in Ottawa, Ontario, until 1996, and was later picked up by The Comedy Network in 1997...
- Daryn JonesDaryn JonesDaryn Jones is a Canadian comedian and television personality. In 2006 he became the host of MTV Canada's flagship series MTV Live, alongside co-hosts Nicole Holness and Paul “The Intern” Lemieux....
- Emerald City Improv