How to Practice Improv Outside of Class
15 June 2025
One of the most powerful things you can do in a scene is know what you want.
Not a clever idea. Not a funny premise. Just a simple, honest want. I want you to forgive me. I want you to stay. I want to impress you.
When you play with a want, scenes stop feeling like two people searching for something to talk about. They start feeling like two people who need something from each other.
Why Wants Work
Wants create natural tension. If you want something and the other person has the power to give it or withhold it, you’ve got a scene. You don’t need to invent conflict — it emerges organically from the gap between what you want and what you’re getting.
How to Practice
- Before your next scene, pick a simple want: I want them to be proud of me.
- Let every line you say be in service of that want.
- Notice how the scene takes care of itself.
The want doesn’t need to be stated out loud. It just needs to drive your behavior. When it does, your scene partner has something real to respond to — and that’s when the magic happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'playing with wants' mean in improv?
Playing with wants means entering every scene with a clear desire or objective. Instead of waiting to see what happens, you actively pursue something, which creates natural tension and momentum.
How do I find a want in a scene?
Ask yourself: what does my character need from the other person right now? It could be approval, forgiveness, help, or even just attention. The simpler and more specific, the better.
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