Cole & MiloRay
MiloRay
Hey Cole, ever wonder how a seasoned improv actor builds a story in the moment while you meticulously map out each lesson plan—like a chess game where the moves are spontaneous yet deliberate? Let’s unpack that paradox—how do we keep the energy high while still staying on point?
Cole
I think the trick is to treat the improviser’s “spontaneity” as a set of possible moves you’ve already studied. In a lesson plan you list every move, even the ones you rarely use, and then you practice them until they become muscle memory. An actor on stage does the same thing, but in reverse: they look at the room and instantly choose a move from that library that feels right. So keep your core ideas solid—those are the board positions you can trust—then allow room for one or two “wild cards” that let the energy flow naturally. That way you’re always on point, but the audience still feels the thrill of the unexpected.
MiloRay
Love that playbook analogy—like having a cheat sheet of surprise moves while still keeping the main chapters locked in. It’s the sweet spot where the class runs like a rehearsed sitcom and the kids still drop a “what?” punchline. Keep the core moves tight, but let those wild cards wiggle in—makes the lesson feel like a live comedy sketch rather than a stiff script.
Cole
Sounds spot on—you’ve got the structure for the main beats, and a few surprise bits to keep everyone on their toes. That balance is what turns a lesson into a memorable scene. Keep tightening those core moves and let the improvisations spark when the moment calls for it.