THE PEDAGOGY AND ETHICS OF IMPROVISATION USING THE HAROLD

Scenic improvisation is dramatic performance without a script. Performers develop scenes in real time in front of an audience. They do this by submitting to a set of rules of relating on-stage which allow them, by mutual assent, to develop scenes and stories based on their relationships with one another. This methodology by which improvisers develop their scenes can give us a tangible vocabulary and model by which we can fulfill the requirements of love. The Harold, an improvisational form created by Del Close and Charna Halpern and taught and performed at IO (formerly ImprovOlympic), emphasizes this relational ethic as the means to create consistent and sustainable theatrical performances. This paper will examine the performance methodology and pedagogy of long-form improvisation and particularly the Harold as a guide for ethical decision-making and behavior in our personal relationships.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Fine Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Theatre

Year dc:date.available

2007

Author dc:creator

• Patton, David Dellus

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Aaron D. Anderson

• Second City
• ImprovOlympic
• IO
• love
• ethics
• theater
• the Harold
• Del Close
• Charna Halpern
• Chicago
• acting
• pedagogy
• improvisation
• Improv
• Arts and Humanities
• Theatre and Performance Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/906

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1905