Improvisation

Improvisation is the act of creating or performing something extemporaneously, without a fixed script or pre-planned score. It is a process as well as a result, relying on real-time decision making and the adaptation of available ideas and resources. Improvisation occurs across many domains, including music, theatre, dance, comedy, film, and everyday problem solving, and it often depends on listening, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose among participants.

In music, improvisation ranges from brief embellishments to fully formed solos. Performers may rely on chord progressions, rhythmic grooves, or melodic motifs and may flip between structured sections and spontaneous invention. Jazz is especially associated with improvisation, but improvisation also exists in classical practice (cadenzas, figured bass), folk traditions, and world music. In theatre and comedy, improvisation involves creating dialogue and action in the moment, guided by rules or prompts and aided by "Yes, and" collaboration to build on others' ideas.

Techniques and training emphasize listening, responsiveness, and pattern recognition. Improvisers often work with constraints, prompts, or motifs to guide invention while maintaining coherence. Common tools include call-and-response, thematic development, ensemble listening, and the use of established frameworks or scores as skeletons. Rehearsal may blend pre-structured elements with space for spontaneous invention, allowing performers to connect emotionally and musically with the audience.

Historically, improvisation has deep roots in oral and non-written cultures and in early Western music; it has evolved with genres and cultures. Today, improvisation is widely taught in conservatories, theaters, and community ensembles and is valued as a skill for creativity, adaptability, and collaborative problem solving.