Starting Online Improv

So you decided to try some online improv! Maybe a jam (here are our jams!). If you’re new to online improv, long form improv, or improv in general, here are some tips to help you get started.

If this doesn’t make sense or you want to learn more, consider taking a class, course, or drop-in session with a coach or teacher. You can contact Jen or join our newsletter for more information about upcoming options.

Online Improv

• When you’re in a scene: Your camera and mic should be on (unless there’s a specific reason for one to be off – like you’re doing audio-only)! This is like stepping out onto the stage.
• Not in a scene: If you’re not in a scene, or in the audience, your camera is off… but your mic could be on so we can hear you laugh! As long as your environment is relatively quiet. Some improv teachers and hosts want your mic off, so this could depend on the session. If unsure, just ask!
• Making Moves: Many moves are made verbally. It’s best to find a bit of space to add the voiceover so other players hear it. If they don’t hear it, say it again until they do. Or, turn on your camera and repeat. Note that the moves below can be different depending on where you practice improv – and there might be additional ones too! For example you might say:
  • “Tag out (name)”: Or you might say “tag out everyone” and initiate – one or more players will join. The player whose name is called turns their camera off, and you turn your camera on and initiate. Note: “Tap out” might be used instead of “tag out”.
  • “Tag out (name/everyone), Bring in (name/anyone)”: You can tag out one or more players, and bring in someone specific or another player. Then turn on your camera and initiate, and another player should join based on what you said.
  • “Cut to (description)”: A typical cut-to move where you describe the change verbally. This could be a time change, location change, activity, or something else. It’s often tied to something that was mentioned in the current scene.
  • “Sweep” “Wipe” or “Edit”: This ends the set of scenes within a long form set. Some teachers/hosts ask you to combine this with a visual element (such as a waving hand motion).
  • “Edit!” or “Scene!”: This ends a scene.
  • “Blackout”: Ends a long form set of scenes (it calls the end of the show).
  • Walk-on: Just turn on your camera and initiate your move – no verbals needed.
  • Scene painting or narration: Just use your mic and leave your camera off to scene paint or offer other forms of verbal support to a scene. This could be making moves like “We see…” or other forms of verbal narration to move the scene or set along.
  • No verbal edits: Sometimes improv sets/shows will avoid using verbal edit moves, even online! You will learn how to do this while you take classes and take coaching to take or give focus. If you are in a learning environment or jam, this is not common – you can use the verbal moves noted above and other people should understand what you mean.

Also check out the code of conduct or other formal elements of the organization you are taking the class or jam through. This will help you understand the community a bit better. And most schools have some kind of community element – get involved! You’ll find friendly improvisers who are here to help.