Your Improv Brain

Your brain went blank? Try this scene start instead

Mar 2, 2026
They explore a simple trick to start a scene by answering “where are you?” to stop your brain from blanking. Physicality and silent actions are shown as tools to create place and buy time. Two hands-on exercises build a shared base reality: a partner silent-initiation game and a solo object-based practice. Resources for further practice are mentioned at the end.
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INSIGHT

Answer Where You Are To Anchor The Scene

  • Starting a scene by answering "where are you?" gives your brain a clear anchor to stop it from blanking.
  • Jen deHaan relays Will Hines' idea that establishing location physically or verbally buys time for choices to emerge.
ADVICE

Use Physicality First To Buy Thinking Time

  • Use physical actions to establish location so you don't have to speak immediately and you buy time.
  • Move, mime, or handle objects with clear emotion so your partner and audience understand the base reality.
INSIGHT

Let Environment Drive Behavior Not Exposition

  • Letting the environment dictate behavior prevents on-stage negotiation about setting.
  • Starting with action shifts focus from exposition to movement, creating instant playable choices.
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