Harold (improvisation) - Related Forms

Related Forms

Del Close allowed for and encouraged much variation within the structure of the Harold and saw it as a malleable and organic form with which to explore themes and ideas. The beats and games need not appear in the order or number described.

Most modern forms are derived from the Harold. These include:

• Armando (The Armando Diaz Theatrical Experience and Hootenanny) - a host's monologues provide the inspiration for scenes. The name originates from Charna Halpern and is named after Armando Diaz who was the first one to be the monologist.
• Deconstruction - one long opening group scene, which is used for idea generation.
• La Ronde - Multiple locations with improvisers staying in one character the whole performance.
• Monoscene - One scene location, sometimes with improvisers playing different characters and sometimes playing the same characters for the entire piece.
• Movie - an improvised movie that uses disjointed situations which converge by the end.
• Sybil - one-person Harold.
• The Bat - a Harold performed in the dark, like a radio play.
• French Harold - a Harold performed within a monoscene, in which the improvisers perform the Harold in one location.
• Triptych/Triple Play - a form similar to a Harold, but without the group games.