How can you have conflict between characters in an improv scene?

Tips

•	Don't just stand there bickering, each party holding firmly to its side, waiting for a concession from the other. To advance the scene, you need to change in some way: introduce new elements of context, offer concessions, be affected by what the other person says.

•	Give your character stakes that he or she is playing for: needs to get home, is carrying an artistic vision and wants to bring it to fruition, wants to relax after a long day, or perhaps the character just wants some respect.

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It's hard to play 'bickering' because it tends to degenerate. It's better to play 'loving' the other person because there are many more possibilities. Create a tension between the problem you have with the other person and your desire to 'love' them within the context of the scene. For example, if they're your boss you need to preserve civility for obvious reasons, while you still need to get this other issue resolved. So you kiss up while pursuing your need.

Conflict

Tips