Armando

Definition

Armando is a form of long-form improvisation where performers create a narrative based on a single suggestion or theme provided by the audience. This format allows for deeper exploration of characters, relationships, and themes, leading to a more structured story than typical short-form improvisation. It often involves a mix of storytelling and character development, which provides a rich canvas for improvisers to showcase their creativity and acting skills.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Armando typically begins with an audience suggestion that inspires the performers to create a narrative that unfolds in real time.
2. The format emphasizes character-driven storytelling, allowing improvisers to delve deeply into the emotional arcs of their characters.
3. Unlike short-form improvisation, which often focuses on quick games or scenes, armando allows for longer scenes and more complex plots.
4. Performers in armando often build upon each other's ideas, creating a collaborative environment that enriches the narrative.
5. Armando performances can vary in style and tone, from comedic to dramatic, depending on the initial suggestion and the performers' interpretations.

Review Questions

• How does armando differ from short-form improvisation in terms of structure and character focus?
  • Armando differs from short-form improvisation primarily in its structure and emphasis on character development. While short-form typically consists of quick games or individual scenes that are often comedic and disconnected, armando builds a continuous narrative around a single audience suggestion. This allows performers to invest more time in developing their characters and exploring complex relationships, resulting in richer storytelling.
• Discuss the role of audience suggestions in shaping an armando performance and how they influence the narrative.
  • Audience suggestions play a crucial role in shaping an armando performance as they serve as the foundational theme or idea that guides the improvisers' creativity. These suggestions can inspire various narratives, character choices, and emotional tones throughout the performance. The way performers interpret and expand upon these suggestions directly influences how the story evolves, ensuring that each performance is unique and tailored to that specific audience's input.
• Evaluate the impact of collaborative storytelling in armando on both performers' skills and audience engagement.
  • Collaborative storytelling in armando significantly enhances performers' skills by fostering teamwork, creativity, and adaptability. As improvisers build upon each other's ideas, they develop a heightened sense of trust and communication that strengthens their performance capabilities. For the audience, this collaborative dynamic creates an engaging experience where they witness real-time creation of narrative, leading to a more immersive connection to the story. The unpredictability of this format keeps audiences invested as they eagerly anticipate how the plot will unfold based on the performers' interactions.

Related terms

Improvisation:

A performance technique where actors create spontaneous dialogue and action without a script, relying on their instincts and training.

Narrative Structure: The organized way in which a story is constructed, including elements like exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.

Character Development:

The process of creating a believable and multi-dimensional character through their actions, dialogue, and relationships within a story.