2025 Syllabus - Speech Arts & Drama - Improv

Improv - 3 Word Improv

Working in groups of two or three performers, each group will pick three words at random out of a hat and meet for two minutes to develop a scene that uses those three words.

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4632 - SoloEarlybird Live:$24.00Virtual:$23.00Register
Class:4633 - Primary Grades 1-3Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Register
Class:4634 - Junior Grades 4-6Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Closed
Class:4635 - Intermediate Grades 7 & 8Earlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$39.00Register
Class:4636 - Senior Grades 9 & upEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register

Improv - TV Channels

Imagine the adjudicator is watching different TV channels, switching back and forth. For solo classes, the performer portrays different characters, changing roles each time the adjudicator announces a new "tv program" such as Weather Report, Dance Competition or Toothpaste Commercial. For group classes, any number of performers can participate in each channel by tagging or adding in performers. Time limit: 7 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4637 - SoloEarlybird Live:$24.00Virtual:$23.00Register
Class:4638 - Beginner / ElementaryEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4639 - JuniorEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4640 - IntermediateEarlybird Live:$44.00Virtual:$43.00Register
Class:4641 - SeniorEarlybird Live:$44.00Virtual:$43.00Register

Improv Solo - The Expert

Performer acts as an "expert" in his/her field. The "expert" delivers a two-minute monologue on a topic drawn from a hat. If they say 'uh' or 'um' the adjudicator honks a horn; if they rack up three 'ums' or 'uhs' they are stopped. Time limit: 5 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4645 - JuniorEarlybird Live:$21.00Virtual:$20.00Register
Class:4647 - SeniorEarlybird Live:$26.00Virtual:$25.00Register

Improv Duo - First Line

Each pair is given two minutes to develop a scene based on the first line to be spoken, which the adjudicator will assign. Examples of first lines are "Haven't we met somewhere?" or "Is this seat taken?" Improvised stories should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Time limit: 5 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4648 - Grades 1 - 3Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Register
Class:4649 - Grades 4 - 6Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Register
Class:4850 - Grades 7 & 8Earlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4851 - Grades 9 & upEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register

Improv Duo - Tagline

Each pair is given two minutes to develop a scene based on the last line to be spoken, which the adjudicator will assign. Examples of last lines are "I told you we wouldn't make it out of here" or "That's what you get for being unprepared". Improvised stories should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Time limit: 5 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4652 - Grades 1 - 3Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Register
Class:4653 - Grades 4 - 6Earlybird Live:$34.00Virtual:$33.00Register
Class:4654 - Grades 7 & 8Earlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4655 - Grades 9 & upEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register

Improv Group - Four Square

Four performers stand in a square formation and create four different scenes based on suggestions given to each pair as they move around the square. The adjudicator will direct action forwards and backwards.

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4658 - Grades 1 - 3Earlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4659 - Grades 4 - 6Earlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4660 - Grades 7 & 8Earlybird Live:$44.00Virtual:$43.00Register
Class:4661 - Grades 9 & upEarlybird Live:$44.00Virtual:$43.00Register

Improv Group - Building a Scene (3+ players)

Two groups stand in a line or facing one another, depending on the size of the group. They begin telling a story one word at a time. The adjudicator can call out: "One word at a time!" or "Full Sentences!" or "Stop mid-word!" or "Make it Physical!" or "Sing the sentence in Opera!" The group must obey the request and try to keep the story unfolding. The group must listen and work together to find an ending. When the group feels organically that they have concluded the story with a strong ending, they stop and someone says "The End". Time limit: 7 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4662 - GroupEarlybird Live:$31.00Virtual:$30.00Register

Improv with Props

The adjudicator gives an object (i.e. egg beater, remote control, bar of soap) to each solo performer or group. Competitors improvise a scene based on the object they receive. Preparation time: 2 min Performance limit: 5 min

ClassEarlybird LiveVirtual
Class:4666 - SoloEarlybird Live:$21.00Virtual:$20.00Register
Class:4667 - Beginner / ElementaryEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4668 - JuniorEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4669 - IntermediateEarlybird Live:$39.00Virtual:$38.00Register
Class:4670 - SeniorEarlybird Live:$45.00Virtual:$44.00Register