Blocking (improv)
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Blocking or denial is a term used in theatrical improvisation (or improv) and theatre sports to describe the act of not accepting the world set up, or refusing to continue developing the action 'offered' by others.
In general, blocking prevents improvisers from developing stories since it tends to reduce the scene to a battle for dominance between the performers. Expert coaches can usually tell the difference between defensive blocking by nervous or inexperienced improvisers, and more playful or constructive blocking by more comfortable or experienced performers.
Since we enjoy watching someone being thwarted, blocking often provokes laughter from the audience. When improvisation is performed in comedy clubs as opposed to theatres, blocking can become the norm for this reason. However, it is only rarely seen in performances by more theatrical improvisation companies.
[edit] Examples of blocking
A: Want to go for a swim?
B: No, I can't swim.
B has blocked A's offer of a swim.
Some actors block their own offers.
A: Want to go for a swim?
B: Sure!
A: Oh, I forgot, the pool's empty.
Sometimes, saying "yes" is a block.
A: Give me all the money in the safe or you're dead.
B: Yes take it. I thought I'd never be rid of it.
B blocks A's offer that this is a dangerous situation, that the contents of the safe are valuable and so on. This is also a gag (a joke at the expense of the story).
However, blocking can be used constructively.
A: I was sent here from Mars.
B: Don't be so stupid, Frank.
B's incredulity will be shared by the audience, which may make A's offer more convincing later.
A: No, it's true. Wait, I'll prove it.
B: What's that coming out of your forehead??
