Over 343 games and exercises for improv theater

What is Improv Theatre?

Improvisational theatre — or improv — is a form of theatre in which everything is improvised: none of the scenes have been rehearsed beforehand. This is the key difference from scripted theatre.

Performers often take suggestions from the audience, using them as themes or starting points for spontaneously created scenes. Music frequently accompanies improv shows, and the music itself is also improvised, closely interwoven with what happens on stage.

Stories emerge through the mutual inspiration of the performers. Pre-planned action gives way to pure, spontaneous play — action and reaction between the actors. On improwiki you'll find over 343 games, exercises and warm-ups used in workshops and shows.

Forms of Improv Theatre

Improv is generally divided into short-form and long-form. Short-form consists of scenes lasting only a few minutes, standing alone or loosely connected by a theme.

There are many short-form formats. In "Theatresports", teams of performers compete for the audience's favour. Similarly, the Maestro format determines the best player of the evening. Theatresports teams exist all over the world, with many variations and overlapping concepts.

Short-form tends to emphasise games, which often leads to a comedic style — though it doesn't have to. Long-form improv leans more towards serious scenes, though comedy is always welcome.

A format called the "Harold" takes a single audience suggestion and weaves it into an interconnected scenic collage with deeply developed characters. You can find both forms described in detail in our Wiki.

Improv as a Way of Life

Great stories emerge when performers embrace certain principles: the celebrated "joy of failure", playing in the here and now, and exploring personal status.

Because improv fosters a unique kind of open communication, many practitioners see it as more than a hobby — it becomes an expression of an inner attitude towards life. This deep connection to one's own philosophy of living may be what sets improv apart from traditional theatre.

Workshops, Festivals, Shows

Workshops are offered as an introduction to improvisation for anyone interested. Many of these can be found in our event calendar. There are also numerous festivals where you can see outstanding improvisers from around the world. Our exercises section offers plenty of detailed tips.

The Improv Community

There is an active improv scene worldwide. In our group directory you can find ensembles near you. Our event calendar lists shows, workshops and festivals. improwiki is the largest German-speaking portal for improvisational theatre — by the community, for the community.