Frankie

Also known as: The Frankie

A longform. A practice structure in seven parts, from a song lyric offered by an audience member to closing statements from the cast.

Full description

Flow

The form was built to explore different skills and approaches in one show:

  • discovery-based improv β€” the idea of the scene is found as you play;
  • game of the scene β€” the repeating pattern of behavior the scene is built on;
  • monologues;
  • premise-based improv β€” the idea of the scene is known before you enter;
  • group games;
  • connections between scenes;
  • theme.

1. The ask

Ask an audience member for a song lyric that has a special connection for them. That lyric is the inspiration for the team.

2. Organic scenes

Play three two-person scenes. The focus is the game of the scene, discovered as the scene goes.

3. Monologue

The monologue comes from a cast member or a guest. It draws on the theme or situations explored in the organic scenes.

4. Premise based scenes

Play three more two-person scenes. The focus is the game of the scene that comes from a premise. Tag outs β€” you tap a partner and take their place in the scene β€” and other support moves are encouraged during this phase.

5. Group game

The whole cast plays one group game. Its source is the monologue or the premise based scenes.

6. Connection rush

Quick scenes where characters from different scenes interact with each other.

7. What did we learn today?

Each cast member gives a quick statement: about a specific idea from a scene or about a general theme.

Context

Resources