Improvisation in performance

This unit works from the premise that improvisation underpins contemporary performance practice in music and theatre. Students will be introduced to a series of improvisation techniques and strategies that draw on the body, gesture and movement, image and symbol, sound, and word in individual and collaborative performing arts practice. They will also explore key concepts of improvisation such as communication, elaboration, extension, agreement and inclusion, rhythm, limitation, and problem solving and their application to a range of performing arts contexts, as well as their usefulness in a number of industries. The cross-disciplinary nature of the unit will enable collaborative improvisatory practices and provide students with opportunity to work within and across performance genres.