Analysing dramatic structures within improvised forms - the extended playwright function framework

Abstract

Improvised texts are developed for varied purposes; however, little attention has been given to the way improvisations are spontaneously structured. In this article, a playwright function designed for the analysis of a wide range of improvisational contexts is described. This analytical framework draws on an earlier model originally developed to understand the collaborative structuring occurring within preadolescent dramatic play - now extended to make it more applicable across a wide range of improvised forms including process drama and long form improvisation. Drawing upon the work of key theorists and practitioners from the field of improvisation, the original framework grows from four playwright functions to nine. Discussion about the value and possible applications for this framework is also included.