The Bomb Shelter

Schtick or Improvisation?

Yesterday, I almost got into a heated discussion with a coworker of Neeta's over the television show Whose Line is it Anyway?

For those who don't know what Whose Line is all about, I'll share with you the description of the show given by ABC.com.

Drew Carey leads a hilarious cast of improv geniuses, Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie and Wayne Brady, through a series of sketches, one-liners, songs and zany scenes.

You'll notice that nowhere in this description does it actually mention that these "improv geniuses" are actually doing... well... improv? This is what we call 'Truth in Advertising', because Whose Line is NOT about good improv.

It is a show about Schtick.

Now, don't get me wrong. Schtick is funny. That's the whole point of schtick in the first place. But is it Improv? No.

Improvisation is the art of creating something out of nothing. It is the art of giving and taking offers from the people on stage with you, and trying to tie it together into a complete narrative. It is about taking risks, and most importantly, improv is not... NOT... about being funny.

There you have it. Improv need not be funny. It usually tends to be, granted, because believe it or not, comedy is easier to perform.

"But," you interject, "Whose Line has to be improv because they're making it up on the spot!"

Wrong again.

How often do you see Ryan Stiles get angry at Drew and make fun of him in a scene? Have you ever noticed Ryan and Colin Mochrie start making gay jokes during a scene? Or for that matter, watch as Colin mimes an enormus penis to get a laugh? Ever see Wayne Brady sing?

Ever see four contestants who do not include Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady and Colin Mochrie?

These men ARE good improvisors. Unfortunately they've started to fall into improv purgatory, a place where they always go for the cheap laugh by doing schtick they know the audience will enjoy. It is an easy trap to fall into because, frankly, going for the cheap laugh is far more simple then building to a better payoff.

So no, Whose Line is not a good improv show. It is, at best, a good situational comedy show.

They could fix this by changing up the cast more often. New blood allows for different styles, and forces old players to change. They could also start forcing players into games they aren't good at, for example they could have Colin Mochrie sing for a change (beacuse he hates it).

For good improv watch the old Whose Line is it Anyway? from Britian. Heck, even the Just for Laughs Improv Championship takes more risks.

You could also watch Comedy Inc. for good improv... because it sure as shit ain't Sketch Comedy.

posted by ScottyBomb @ 12:34 p.m.