Physical Theatre Improvisation at NYU Steinhardt

There’s no room for shyness in the Black Box Theatre, an intimate 74-seat performance space at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Here, Clinical Professor Nan Smithner teaches Physical Theatre Improvisation. Her course explores the art of improvisation through specific vocal and movement techniques.

“Physical theatre is really an umbrella term for all movement styles—circus, dance, clown,” Smithner explains. “You’re moving your body the whole time. You’re expanding your expressive and kinesthetic abilities.”

The physical theatre course is required for Educational Theatre majors and welcomes both undergraduate and graduate students. It encourages them to be playful and experimental as they discover ways to communicate with their entire bodies. In any given session, that might mean jumping, miming, or groaning—any combination of sounds and gestures that express an intention or idea.

“Students take this course often because they want to develop confidence in themselves. They want to connect with their bodies or learn how to become more articulate public speakers. Others want to be more expressive individuals in life,” Smithner continues. “I teach a lot through play and embed improvisation in everything. I’m advocating for the whole body to be expressive.”

In a recent session, students worked alongside Smithner and teaching assistant Jordan Stewart to practice techniques used in Action Theatre, an improvisational performance practice. For more on their experience, check out the original story on NYU News.