Armando

Definition

Armando is a long-form improvisation structure that focuses on creating a narrative inspired by a storyteller's personal anecdotes or experiences. In this format, one performer shares a true story, which the ensemble then uses as a jumping-off point to create various scenes, characters, and relationships, weaving together humor and emotional depth throughout the performance. The Armando encourages collaboration and spontaneity among performers, allowing for an organic exploration of themes while maintaining coherence in the storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In an Armando, the storytelling portion often sets the emotional tone for the scenes that follow, making it essential for the initial storyteller to engage the audience effectively.
2. Performers in an Armando can interpret different aspects of the original story, allowing for multiple perspectives and creative interpretations throughout the performance.
3. The Armando format promotes teamwork among improvisers as they must listen actively to each other to build on ideas and connect scenes back to the original story.
4. Unlike some other improvisation formats, the Armando often emphasizes character development and emotional arcs within the scenes created from the initial story.
5. The structure allows for a blend of both comedic and serious tones, providing a platform for improvisers to showcase their range as performers.

Review Questions

• How does the storytelling element in an Armando influence the subsequent scenes created by the ensemble?
  • The storytelling element in an Armando serves as the foundation for the entire performance. When a performer shares a personal anecdote, it sets the emotional tone and thematic direction for the scenes that follow. The ensemble then draws inspiration from this initial story, crafting various scenes that reflect different aspects of it. This connection not only maintains coherence throughout the performance but also allows improvisers to explore themes and characters related to the original tale.
• Discuss how an Armando differs from other long-form improvisational structures like Harold in terms of structure and storytelling.
  • An Armando differs from structures like Harold primarily in its reliance on a single storyteller's personal experience to spark creativity within the ensemble. While Harold starts with a suggestion leading to multiple short scenes that are later interconnected, Armando emphasizes one narrative shared at the beginning. This format fosters deeper character exploration and emotional connections as performers expand on the storyteller's experience, contrasting with Harold's more fragmented approach to scene creation.
• Evaluate how the collaborative nature of an Armando impacts performers' ability to develop characters and themes throughout a performance.
  • The collaborative nature of an Armando significantly enhances performers' ability to develop characters and themes. As each improviser listens and responds to one another, they contribute unique interpretations of the initial story, leading to richer character arcs and thematic depth. This collaboration fosters trust among performers, allowing them to take risks and support each other's creative choices. Consequently, the dynamic interplay between storytelling and scene work creates an engaging performance that resonates emotionally with audiences while showcasing each performer’s versatility.

Related terms

Improvisation:

The art of creating scenes and dialogue spontaneously without a script, relying on creativity and quick thinking.

Monologue:

A long speech by a single character in a performance, often used in various improvisational structures to convey thoughts or feelings.

Harold:

Another long-form improvisation structure that begins with a series of short scenes based on a suggestion and later revisits and connects them through recurring themes.