What is theatresports™?
"Theatresports™ is an improvisation-based theatre format and the artistic creation of Keith Johnstone. It entertains and educates the performers and audience. On the surface it is a team based ‘theatre competition’ with the same illusory struggle that professional wrestling exhibits. In front of the audience the competitors seem intent on winning, but inside them is a mutual desire to create dynamic, interesting theatre through spontaneity skills, storytelling and supportive play. Theatresports™ is capable of inducing laughter, tears, sport event style screaming and provoking thought; all while engaging and entertaining an audience."
— a guide to Keith Johnstone's TheatreSports™
Show format
community games
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
(15 mins)
2 or 3 games (show openers) in mixer groups of 5 or 6 players
An opportunity to play a few games, introduce ourselves, and warm up the audience before we divide into our teams and get into competition.
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
(10 mins)
2 teams in play, with the Host
This short, noncompetitive match is ideal for newcomers. Each team sets a challenge, faces a challenge, and plays scenes with no worries — because no one is keeping score.
THE CROWDPLEASER
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
THE CROWDPLEASER
(30 mins)
2 teams in play, with a Moderator
One team sets up a scene challenge. They play first. The other team goes. The Moderator asks the audience which scene they preferred. 5 points is awarded. Next challenge is set.
THE JUDGES MATCH
FRIENDLY CHALLENGEs
THE CROWDPLEASER
(30 mins)
2 teams in play, with 3 Judges
The game is much the same, but this time scenes are individually scored. Every judge on our panel can award up to 5 points to a scene. Tally Ho! This time, it's personal.
roles
host
commentator(s)
team PLAYERS
- Welcome the audience
- Warm-up / set the tone
- Explain the show format
- Introduce each section and it's elements
- Edit scenes using the Bell
- Keep the show and Close
team PLAYERS
commentator(s)
team PLAYERS
- Community Games (mixer)
- Team up for a match
- Making your team poster, chat about challenges, games ideas or interests
- Choose a team captain
- Take risks! DARE TO FAIL!
commentator(s)
commentator(s)
commentator(s)
- Introduce team players and role-players
- Be charming and efficient in moving matches along
- Share facts / statistics to maintain relaxed, playful energy during transitions
Moderator
commentator(s)
commentator(s)
- Be the authority figure in The Crowdpleaser with a Horn, and Judges' Box
- Facilitate each challenge
- Conduct audience votes after each round
- Award 5 points to winners
scorekeeper(s)*
lights, music, sfx*
scorekeeper(s)*
- Keeps score of matches
- Weighs in, at intervals
- Take note of challenges
- Jot down scene details
- Option to partner up as a secondary Commentator
*could be played by audience
Judges*
lights, music, sfx*
scorekeeper(s)*
- Be the authority figures in The Judges Match with Horns and Scorecards
- Without consulting, award 1-5 points (and penalties) to each scene
*could be played by audience
snoggers*
lights, music, sfx*
lights, music, sfx*
- Be responsible for the Scenography in a show: using props, set pieces, theatrical devices (puppets and masks), costume, and materials
- Make offers, inspire, and enhance scenes
lights, music, sfx*
lights, music, sfx*
lights, music, sfx*
- Live musicians or playlists
- Foley, Voice and SFX apps
- LX design on subs/hotkey
- Light-shadow and screens
- Overhead/digi projectors
- Making offers to inspire, enhance, and edit scenes
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