Improv, short for improvisation, has become a very popular form of entertainment, and has sprung up in comedy clubs and theaters throughout the world, with classes are taught in every major city. Improv games are used in grade schools, high schools and colleges to help students become more comfortable speaking in public. Improv is also played at parties just for fun! The game "World’s Worst" is best played with more advanced actors, but if you are a quick wit, this game may be just the place to showcase your comedy chops.
Instructions
1. Have your actors start thinking about the worst types of people they can think of for everyday occupations. Have them come up with lists of annoying habits, or problems that people have, and then associate those quirks with the professions in which they would definitely be inappropriate. The more the actors can come up with, the better. Although the very definition of improv is coming up with situations or dialogue on the spot, there are preparation tricks like this one that can aid your actors' performances.
2. Line 5 or 6 of your actors in a horizontal line across your performance space. Ask the audience for suggestions of everyday professions.
3. Pick and write down about 10 of the most commonplace occupations. Explain the game to the audience. Call out each occupation one at a time.
4. Let your actors step forward and act out with dialogue, and physicality, if possible, the worst possible person or situation for each occupation. An actor might, for example, portray a new pilot whose only flight experience is video game flying.
5. Continue calling out occupations. End the game after several occupations have been acted out--and on your biggest laugh. As the old show business expression goes, “Always leave them wanting more.” There is nothing worse in improv than 5 actors standing in silence on stage, out of ideas.
