Improv Taxonomy

Since antiquity, we've used our voices and instruments to make music, and as we've evolved, so has what is music, to the point where it is necessary to differentiate between sub-genres like "industrial early vaporwave" and "post-third wave newtone ska". In music we have technical conventions like time signatures, chords, and tempo, but often we resolve genre further with lyrics, style, and clothing. Improv has, shortform v longform aside, managed to mostly avoid such genre, though inside baseballers know the difference between a "TJ & Dave-like slowplay" and a "Dummy-like character romp". Inside improv already exists a set of motifs, conventions, cliches, common language, and tradition that defines every show we do without even knowing it. In this workshop, we're going to take a long look in the mirror and then step through the looking glass into some improv-genre exploration. We'll look at some common artistic customs in our artform that transcend form, game, or suggestion. Using group dialogue, we'll map out three distinct "styles" of improv, outline the box the style contains, see what we can stuff inside, and if we can blow up the box. Improvise with purpose and intention - play the music loud and proud. This is a great workshop for intermediate to advanced players looking to stretch their creative muscles, try playing a different way than they do already, or just experiment with some new modes and methods.