10 tips for studying improv at The Groundlings
The Groundlings is an improv and sketch comedy theatre and school based on Los Angeles. They have been around for over 40 years and their emphasis is on behavioural satire (as opposed to The Second City which is based on political and social satire). Comedically then, The Groundlings focuses on character based improv and sketch comedy. Similar to The Second City, The Groundlings does not use improv as their main product, but rather in the writing process to develop characters and material for their Sunday and Main company troupes. Their improv shows are usually fast tag-out (or clap-out) based shows (the Crazy Uncle Joe Show) or short form character based games (Cooking With Gas).
The Groundlings has one of the most intense improv curriculum of most schools. Their improv classes consist of a Core Track which has three levels. Entrance is by audition. The three levels are Basic, intermediate and Advanced (recently renamed to Lab Track). Once you have passed the three levels you may do the Writing Lab, which you only have one chance to do. Once you have done the advanced Writing Lab then an invitation may come to join their Sunday Company sketch company troupe.
Proof of The Groundlings approach lies in their extraordinary alumni, all of whom showcase the school’s emphasis on comedic characters: Lisa Kudrow, Laraine Newman, Brian Palermo, Kristen Wiig, Mindy Sterling, Jim Rash, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Edi Patterson, Cheryl Hines, Ana Gasteyer, Taran Killam, Will Forte and Will Ferrell.
If you are taking classes at The Groundlings — here are some tips to maximise your experience:
1) Focus on the process and journey. Don’t worry about passing each level too quickly. It is not easy to pass each level the first time, the school has a particular philosophy and approach to improv and characters and they will not let you through to the next level if they do not feel you have mastered the essence of their style. Many of the above people have repeated a level. When you start Basic level, forget everything you have learned about improv and focus on learning their style.
2) NEVER be yourself in a scene — EVER — always try a character — a new face, tone, voice, vocal register or point of view.
3) Try make big swings in being different types of characters.
4) DO NOT PLAY GAME — any attempt to try play a ‘game of the scene’ type approach will be quickly shut down by almost every teacher. Groundlings scenes focus on reacting to the environment and object work, using the suggestion quite directly, having a backstory with your scene partner and an instant connection.
5) The Groundlings teaching style typically involves a lot of side coaching (this can be very frustrating at times). When you’re being giving notes in a scene — STAY IN CHARACTER as you are paused to listen to the directions and continue the scene. Don’t try argue with the teacher — take the note for that particular scene and move on — improv is a subjective art form and your intentions may not have been clear to your scene partner or teacher.
6) Act — being a character, remaining committed to your POV and physicality requires acting skills. Don’t break in scenes or break the 4th wall.
7) Listen to the notes and side coaching that are given to others — focus on those to help your own scenes.
8) You have a conference halfway through with the teacher — focus on every note you’re given and work on those.
9) Practice your object work! The Groundlings style is not passive — it involves using the whole body and your environment.
10) The Groundlings does not generally focus on ensemble based improv or forms — they want to create stars. Their focus is on a “Lights Up” character. Can you show the audience who your character is the moment the lights go up? When you start scenes and characters — start at an 8 out of 10.
BONUS TIP: Form a practice group. The key to mastering the Groundlings style is lots of practice. The exercise ADD INFO LINEUP is key to passing almost every level.
