The nanonanofilm Improv Comedy Podcast · Dave Heron

Using Props with Improv

March 3, 2025·14 min·1 clip

Dave Herron identifies the critical improv skill: using a prop to justify and reinforce the scene's reality, not justifying why the prop itself exists.

Host Dave Herron explores the debated use of props in improv comedy, sharing his initial skepticism based on three common pitfalls: props delaying the scene, making it ungrounded, and causing improvisers to justify the prop instead of the scene. He then shifts to a positive exploration of how props could be used effectively in both short-form games and long-form narrative improv to enhance scenes, inviting listener feedback on their experiences.

As heard by us

A grounded look at using props to support a scene instead of sending it off course.

Dave Herron treats props in improv as a practical problem rather than a gimmick. A prop should support the reality of the scene and build on what is already there, not pull the work sideways just to explain why the object exists.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if props keep hijacking your improv scenes.

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