Jazz As An Anaology

Previously, I’ve mentioned jazz as a way to understand the concept of “letting go” as an actor. Jazz serves as a great analogy for structured improvisation in acting. While it may seem chaotic, jazz is actually highly structured. Musicians stay within a set framework, following the melodic line. This balance of freedom and structure is crucial to jazz—and it’s similar to how actors should approach improvisation.

Improvisation In Rehearsal

Actors often fall into the habit of clinging too tightly to their lines, which can make their performance feel mechanical or “memorized.” To break free from this, improvisation can be a valuable tool. By improvising around the lines while staying within their structure (just like how jazz musicians stay within the melodic framework), actors can digest their lines with more of a sense of freedom and flexibly. Susan Batson’s script analysis process is a great example of how improvisation helps actors learn their lines without feeling confined by them. When used effectively, improvisation allows the lines to emerge spontaneously and organically.

Improvisation On Set

Great film directors use improvisation in various ways. Sometimes it’s a tool for writing, and other times it helps actors break free while filming. For instance, Martin Scorsese used improvisation to develop the famous “Funny Guy” scene in Goodfellas. Although the scene was improvised during rehearsal, the actors had to stick to the script during filming—the script was finalized based on their improvisation. Similarly, Michael V. Gazzo’s 1955 play, A Hatful of Rain, was crafted from improvisations during rehearsals. Independent film director Henry Jaglom also employs a unique approach: he outlines each scene, collaborates with actors to create the characters, and actually films their improvisations. Even in these cases, improvisation is not random chaos but a structured exploration of the material.

All my best,

Greg Braun

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