Improv Tip #4 - Don't Touch Me (2015)

In this week's improv tip, veteran teacher and improviser Paul Vaillancourt shares the improv technique called "Don't Touch Me". Whether you're doing improv comedy, playing improv games, using improv in your acting classes or expressing yourself with some other kind of improvisation, you are going to love this technique.
Paul Vaillancourt is the author of "The Triangle of the Scene".
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[@urielforte]

Hey, Paul! I've been enjoying these videos - very helpful. I'd love to get your input on how to come up with unique, strong characters. I tend to play myself a lot and I'd like to become a bit more versatile. Thanks!

[@PVImprov]

Uri, glad they're helping. I will do a improv tip about this coming up very soon. Stay tuned!

[@ActorBillDRussell]

Great great advice as always from Paul! This is exactly what I try to convey to people as a part of the concept of "making your partner look good." Give them something to react to--and pushing buttons is a perfect and brilliant way to do that. Throw more gas on the fire!!!

[@PVImprov]

Glad you're liking the tips. Yes, making your partner look good isn't necessarily being "nice" to them but, like you said, giving them chances and opportunities to play their game or show their character.

[@sshelle]

Paul, I'd like to know your thoughts on physical contact between scene partners. I was in a scene once in which my scene partner slapped me across the face. I didn't break character, but I was stunned for a moment and never trusted that performer again. I know of another performer who was choked in a scene and now she refuses to be in the same area with the person who choked her. Do you feel that some form of stage combat should be part of an improvisers training or should there be warnings against on -stage contact, especially among the earlier level students?

[@PVImprov]

+Shane Shellenbarger this is a tricky one because what might be right for one team or pair of players might not be right for another team or pair of players. I've been slapped in shows by people I know and in an audition by a stranger - it is shocking for sure. In general, I kind of always go back to one of my basic feelings about improv - I want to take care of my partner and make them look good. Your examples seem to be crossing that line for sure. Does that help?

[@sshelle]

+PVImprov Yes it does. Thanks for responding.