Improv Tip #29: Juggling in Improv

In a scene, it feels like there is so many things to juggle. So much stuff to keep in the air, each one a freewheeling molotov cocktail hoping to hit the ground.

But keep in mind, that’s not how juggling works.

It’s easier than that.

In juggling, how ever many items you have, you’re only actually throwing one item at a time.

One. At. A. Time.

Do an environment move, then a relationship move, then a premise move, then back to environment. Simple.

But wait! It’s even easier than that.

In juggling, you do not have to worry about a series of items, albeit one at a time. You juggle one thing: a simple pattern.

By throwing the items on the similar arcs, the juggler can better predict where they will end up. Their hand moves in muscle memory, as if effortless, and the item plops into their palm.

Patterns, as you might have heard, are also good in improv.

But wait, it’s even easier than that!

But why not make it even simpler! Combine your items: make your premise move also an environment move. You are now juggling two things with the ease of one!

Once you place these loaded balls (strong specific moves) into a pattern (following Game), there’s no limits.

Okay, you can stop waiting. We’re reached peak easy.

Keep in mind, in juggling (like in improv), an audience is looking at the cool coloured flying balls. They aren’t watching the catch. So do the same.

If you look like your panicking — if you keep watching your hands in terror — the audience will notice. Watch the balls and not your hands.

Trust when you see the move, you’ll make it. Even if you don’t, don’t follow the ball you dropped, you’ll lose them all. Keep juggling until you can incorporate another ball back into the pattern.

Screw it: if you drop it, it’s part of the fun!

Happy juggling, and enjoy the circus.