How to N.U.R.S.E. an Improv Scene
At The Playful Stage, one of our core principles is the belief that improv is a team sport. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just stepping into the world of improvisation, there’s one golden rule that always applies: make your scene partner look good. But what does that mean in practice?
At our classes, we focus on more than just quick wit and humor—we emphasize active listening and presence as the foundation for creating a dynamic, supportive improv environment. To help our students master this, we use an approach we call the N.U.R.S.E. method, which serves as a powerful framework for cultivating strong, connected scenes.
Here’s how we break it down:
N – Name the Emotion
Active listening starts with recognizing what your scene partner is bringing to the table—emotionally. At The Playful Stage, we encourage improvisers to pay attention to their partner’s tone, body language, and words to identify and name the emotion being conveyed. Whether it's joy, frustration, or fear, acknowledging and naming this emotion lets your partner know you’re truly present and engaged.
Example: If your partner says, "I can’t believe I lost my job," you might respond with, "You sound really upset." By naming the emotion, you're grounding the scene in reality and showing your partner that you're tuned in.
U – Understand the Situation
Once you’ve named the emotion, the next step is to align yourself with your partner’s experience. Understanding their perspective is key to building trust on stage. At The Playful Stage, we encourage students to reflect back their partner’s intention and show that they’re not just listening, but internalizing the information to create a cohesive narrative.
Example: If your partner says, "This project is falling apart," you can demonstrate understanding by responding, "I know, it’s overwhelming, but we can still turn it around." This response acknowledges the challenge and provides a pathway forward, strengthening the collaboration.
R – Relate to Your Partner
Improv scenes thrive when there’s a real connection between the characters. To make your partner look good, it's important to find ways to relate to their experience. Whether through shared experiences or mutual emotions, relating to your partner creates a bond that’s engaging for both the performers and the audience.
Example: If your partner says, "I’m so nervous about my job interview," you might say, "I’ve felt that way before too, and it’s always worse in my head." By finding common ground, you build a relationship that makes the scene more compelling and believable.
S – Sustain the Energy
Improv scenes need momentum, and one way to keep things moving is to sustain the energy your partner introduces. At The Playful Stage, we teach our students how to maintain the tone and mood of the scene without letting it fizzle out. Whether it’s through action, emotion, or dialogue, sustaining the energy your partner offers shows that you are fully invested in the scene’s development.
Example: If your partner starts a scene by saying, "We’re going to win this race!" you could sustain that energy by responding, "Absolutely, I can already feel the trophy in my hands!" By matching their excitement, you push the scene forward in a positive direction.
E – Elevate the Scene
Making your partner look good doesn’t mean staying passive—it means adding value. The final step in the N.U.R.S.E. method is to elevate the scene by raising the stakes or offering new information that deepens the narrative. At The Playful Stage, we emphasize the importance of elevating scenes in a way that serves the story and supports your partner’s choices.
Example: If your partner says, "We’re lost in the woods," you might elevate the scene by adding, "And the storm clouds are rolling in. We need to find shelter before it’s too late." By introducing a complication, you heighten the tension and make the scene more dynamic.
The Power of Active Listening and Presence
At The Playful Stage, we believe that great improv isn’t just about being funny—it’s about being present. When you truly listen to your partner and actively work to support them, you create a space where anything can happen. The N.U.R.S.E. acronym serves as a guide for our students to prioritize connection, collaboration, and respect, making every scene a success. Whether you're new to improv or a seasoned pro, this approach helps you develop the skills to make your partner look good—and in doing so, you elevate the entire performance.
