Questions at the top of a scene are an advanced move, and if you're still building your skills, they can stall your scene before it gets going. In this episode I break down why questions are tricky at the top, what makes a good question versus a bad one in improv, and how assuming shared history with your scene partner gets things moving faster.

I also talk about something that tripped me up early on: the weirdness of making assumptions about another person's character. If that feels uncomfortable to you, especially if you're someone whose brain flags assumptions as unfair, that makes sense. I get into why and how the pivot that comes from those assumptions can actually become the fun part.

Two exercises in this one. A partner drill using "you look / you seem / you feel" to practise adding information without questions, and a solo version using a one-sided phone call format to train your assumed knowledge muscle.

This is part of a series on the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality.

Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com

Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

YouTube version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNl6231OS5Q

Chapters

00:00 Why questions are risky at the top of a scene

00:52 When you can break the "no questions" rule

01:52 Why questions are even harder at the top

03:22 Assume shared knowledge instead

04:22 Why assuming things might feel weird (and that's okay)

06:28 Partner exercise: You look / You seem / You feel

08:08 Solo exercise: One-sided phone call

09:14 Wrap up

Downloadable content

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

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About

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.

This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com.

This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.

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