improv show
Made-up-on-the-spot comedy
An improv show is a live comedy performance where actors create scenes, characters, and dialogue spontaneously rather than from a script.
Performers typically take suggestions from the audience—a location, relationship, or phrase—and build sketches on the spot.
The format ranges from short games to long-form narratives: We caught an improv show at the comedy club last night.
- comedyWork meant to amuse
- short formShortened written variant
- long formComplete, unshortened version
- sketchHasty informal drawing
- scene workRehearsing dramatic excerpts
character work · audience · suggestion · spontaneous · laughter · scene · troupe · stage · heckler · wit · theater · unscripted · games · performers · callback · blackout · host · timing
- comedycomedy, jokes, humor, puns, sarcasm
- live performancesconcert, concert albums, concert recordings, concert film, play
- performancesdance routine, ballet, comedy act, magic act, musical
- TV comedysitcom, sketch comedy, mockumentary, Seinfeld, Friends
- theater termsplay, actors, stage play, limelight, directing
- arts eventsgallery opening, art fair, exhibition, museum exhibit, art opening
improv showstaged reading
Minimalist theatrical script performance
screenplay adaptation · classical theater · opera · ballet · stand-up routine
improv showset piece
Prearranged dramatic sequence
theatrical production · dramatic play · staged reading · book musical · classical theater
improv showopera
Theatrical art combining song
ballet · kabuki · liturgical drama · Greek tragedy · passion play
improv, show, improve, improvise, improvised, improvising, improvisation, improvisational, improviser