The following PDF includes two handouts from week 2's "Storytelling" class. "SEVEN LINE STORY STRUCTURE" is a handy guide to producing quick, well-rounded stories on the fly. And "BASIC STORY STRUCTURES" from the Merlin Works group gives a quick rundown of tried and true story structures that offer variety - perfect for improv shows where you'll want to take the audience on a unique wild ride every time:
Here's another approach to storytelling - It's the structure that took Hollywood by storm in the early 2000s. While this is designed for screenwriting and prose, there are tons of great elements here that you can use to inspire and enliven your improv scenes:
Based on Joseph Campbell's 'The Hero's Journey' - Dan Harmon (COMMUNITY, RICK & MORTY) adapted it for contemporary storytelling purposes. Like 'Save the Cat' - this approach is simple to grasp and apply:
https://youtu.be/-XGUVkOmPTA?feature=shared
Those of you who've taken our Intermediate Improv class may remember this excellent short video, 'How to Write Comedy' – And like the above examples, the lessons here fit beautifully inside the context of improv scenes:
https://youtu.be/zNTxSBgDNp4?feature=shared
And here's a wonderful, short video on 'Raising the Stakes' in Storytelling:
https://youtu.be/mGdBK5pvrA4?feature=shared
Expanding on the concept of 'Raising the Stakes' for your characters – Check out this great video essay on how martial artist/movie star, Jackie Chan, does this so darn well:
https://youtu.be/Z1PCtIaM_GQ?feature=shared
And lastly, here's a photo of my go-to books on storytelling. There's no "The One" book out there. Read tons on the subject, and the parts you connect with will stick with you - and, with a little practice, they'll integrate themselves into your improv, writing, and day-to-day conversations:
Questions? Thoughts? Additional things you suggest we check out?
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