How to set up and run an improv show: 

An improv show should feel fun and energized. It should move and all players- especially the game’s moderator- are working for this.

After practicing numerous games, select a sequence of games your players are familiar with and like. 

Come up with a fun (stupid?) name for your group.

At start of show, have one performer takes control of the stage to quickly introduce the group and make clear that nothing of the show is scripted or planned, it is all made up in the moment with helpful input from the audience. Then dive right in!

Have one player take charge and moderate each game- to briefly explain the rules to the audience and select the players to start each game. 

Each game’s moderator solicits any “get(s) and facilitates the game (as needed). The moderator also ends the game.

It is the moderator’s job to set up the story. It is fair game to intervene or add offers or even end a meandering or boring story going nowhere. Don’t let a “lost” story kill the show’s energy and lose the audience!

The moderator ends the game by stepping in front of the players and saying “and scene!” which cues the audience to applaud. If you have stage lighting you can cue the light board by saying “and blackout.” Sometimes one of the in-scene players can finish their own game by saying this when it feels right to end the game.

Staging: For each game, non-scene players can sit on both sides of the performing area, ready to jump in and assist, if appropriate.