This document summarizes interviews with an improv comedian and improvisational jazz musician about their performance processes. [1] Both performers warm up before shows to prepare mentally and physically. [2] They prefer improvised performances over scripted work as it provides more excitement and energy in the moment. [3] Active thinking is important during improvisation to listen, react and make creative contributions within the scene or musical interaction.

1. THESIS ONE
Ethnographic Research
Improvisation and Memory
in Comedy and Jazz Performance
Michael Silber | Professor Tom Klinkowstein

2. ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
QUESTIONS ABOUT IMPROVISATION AND MEMORY
• How do you prepare? What is your routine?
• Are you actively thinking as you perform?
Are you tuned in or zoned out?
• How are short-term and long-term memory involved?
• How do mistakes factor in?
• Have you done scripted/written work and how does that compare?
• Does improvisation energize or exhaust you?
• How do group dynamics play a roll in your performance?
• How do your improv skills impact other spheres of your life?
Michael Silber | Thesis One | Professor Tom Klinkowstein

3. ANSWERS FROM AN IMPROV COMEDIAN
Warm Up: 10 minutes of “mind-meld”
Scripted/Non-Scripted: Preference for improv. In the moment. Bigger
Rush when a scene gets good laughs.
Active Thinking: While in the scene- active listening, reacting, and
being in the moment and within the role and story-world.
On the “back-line” - active observation and probing for new ideas to
propel a scene foreward.
Anxiety: Used to experience nervousness, now it’s more about
psyching-up and “staying loose.” A good thrill after a positive show.
Michael Silber | Thesis One | Professor Tom Klinkowstein

4. Mistakes: Happens frequently- hearing incorrectly, forgetting some pre-
set information, or pushing the action too agressively in one direction.
Best to acknowledge a mistake, react/incorporate it, then do a call-
back later in the scene.
Group Dynamics: A team mentality and a more satisfying performance.
Improv Skills: Helps social and conversational skills and allows lower
anxiety on dates and in social gatherings.
Memory: Helpful to remember what has already happened in a scene,
in order to move it forward and maintain the continuity of the story-
world and character motivations.
Michael Silber | Thesis One | Professor Tom Klinkowstein

5. ANSWERS FROM AN IMPROVISATIONAL JAZZ MUSICIAN
Warm Up: Vocal, face exercises, stretching hands, arms, legs. Run
through some tough parts. Short improvisation. Sip of alcohol.
Scripted/Non-Scripted: Improvisation is energizing, especially when
playing with bands that embrace experimentation
Active Thinking: Not zoned out, but does involve muscle memory.
Learn pieces to get them perfect. Focus on the other band members
parts and interactions. Take some risks.
Anxiety: Doesn’t get too nervous if he feels prepared. Playing with
bands that are too uptight presents anxiety.
Michael Silber | Thesis One | Professor Tom Klinkowstein

6. Mistakes: Mistakes happen and you can get back on track, unless the
people you’re playing with push too hard for perfection.
Group Dynamics: Try to make your part fit with others. Conversation
between instruments. Communicate visual cues with others to signal a
return to successful groove.
Improv Skills: Helps social situations. Music is social. There is a
dialogue, even when you are playing alone.
Memory: Try to remember improvisations, so they can be repeated and
returned to. Muscle memory and scripted parts
Michael Silber | Thesis One | Professor Tom Klinkowstein