Improv Tip #232: Anger in Comedy

Anger can be scary to play on stage. It seems destructive, one note, impossible to improvise against and a high energy corner to paint yourself in to.

But think of it this way: in real life, even in a single argument, anger can look different moment to moment and person to person. It has different levels, it’s a human living thing. It can range from small frustrating emphasis on words, or gaps before answering, cricking necks and heavy breathing (or just sharp intakes of breath, or slow exhales) to screaming, yelling into pillow, wordless punches into walls, storming out, storming around, pulling hair, crying, hiccuping or glaring. And right back again. So keep it moving. Don’t get stuck: no emotion is just one motion.

Anger gives you an excuse to twist words, focus on tiny details, over describe, demand answers or refuse to talk. Anger can cause a scene, end a scene, anything, and it’s near the only forward momentum a straight character can achieve. So don’t be scared, it’s a gorgeous tool. It also easily, frequently transforms into another emotion. Indeed anger is often the mask for another emotion (envy, fear, confusion, love even). Watch here to see Jack Nicholson‘s range within the category.

It’s important to not let the emotions overthrow the story logic, though (which is a problem in real life). Also, anger can turn into a stalemate or straight denying. And god forbid that anger creeps into your real psyche, and you start to try to win the damn scene.

It’s probably best if your output is high so in your input, fuel for the fire. Why not try, in your angry arrogance and openness, accepting even more details than usual. Embrace them ‘that’s right, I slept with him, and I admit it the sleeping was good!’ then challenge them back ‘BUT THAT’S ONLY BECAUSE’ and we’re moving the scene along. If you are being physical, be hurt as well (be physically moved, hit, by the responses) If you are being loud, have shorter sentences.

Be like Hulk: the angrier you get, the stronger you become.

For more on anger in improv, there is this and this by the very angry Jimmy Carrane. You can also just watch a Jim Carrey masterclass.

Originally published at improvalchemy.tumblr.com.