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WHO IS 'HAROLD'
... or rather what is the Harold?
       To most of the American public, the TV show, "Who's Line is It Anyway?," represents their only knowledge of improvised comedy. What they don't realize is that beyond this format there is a whole world of improvisation situated in little 100-seat theatres in New York, Los Angeles, and in the improv capital, Chicago. The "short form" improvisation system, which the "Who's Line" series utilizes, involves quick jokes and quick laughs in quick game setups. But in a majority of the intimate improvisation locales across the nation, players employ "long form" improvisation styles in formats like the "Harold."
      The origins of the multi player "Harold" format, an alternative to the "theatre sports" nature of "Who's Line" and "Comedy Sportz", date back to the early 80's when is was developed by improv practitioner, Del Close, at the "Improv Olympic" theatre in Chicago. Now, many variations of the "Harold" are used in performance and for teaching the art of improvisation.
      So, how does this format work?
      The "Harold" first begins with a single word suggestion from the audience. This is key because this guarantees the audience that what they are about to see is created right on the spot. From there the players begin with an "opening" which can consist of a round of songs, a made up monologue, or a free association game based off of that one word. The "opening" serves the players in finding themes and elements that stem from that one word to use for coming up with ideas for scenes.
      Following the "opening" are three rounds of improvised scenes with each round consisting of three scenes. Within each scene, the players find a "game" or a humorous and unusual situation to play up that stems from the ideas they find in the opening. In the first round, the scenes should be distinct and completely unrelated. But as the show enters the second and third rounds, one option for the players to take is to find ways of linking the scenes, but this isn't necessary.
      Now, this is just a basic format of the "Harold," and it is not essential to stay within the boundaries of these simple rules. For rules are meant to be broken!...just make sure you're funny when that happens =).


IMPROV TIPS FROM VORP'M!
HERE ARE A FEW RULES WE USE IN OUR SCENES:

---Eye contact is important; it helps you to connect with your partner.
---Never deny your partner. It's a big F.U. to the person you are sharing a scene with. It makes the other person not trust you and not want to play with you again. Here is a bad scenario:
      FRANK: Mom, thanks for taking me to the candy factory!
      MOM: I'm not your mom, and we're in Alcatraz.
---Use your instincts and try reacting to a situation as how you would react to it, not as how some "crazy person" would.
---Go see people perform improv often. It's inspiring to watch improvisers, and it also helps you figure out what improv choices work and don't work in scenes.