ABSTRACT
Dramatic scenes form the cornerstone of the drama therapy session. These scenes are generally improvisational, rather than scripted.* In comparison with the enactment of scripted scenes, the improvisational mode is better suited to: 1) reflecting the client's inner state, conflicts, or associations as well as providing diagnostic information; 2) enabling the expression of actual feelings; 3) developing spontaneity; 4) affording the freedom to experiment with diverse roles and responses; 5) promoting insight into patterns and dynamics; 6) building skills in relating to and collaborating with others. The improvisational mode is closer to real life, in which there are no set scripts or prepared lines. Our experience with improvisation in real life pre-- pares us to improvise in drama. Scripted work, on the other hand, requires special skills, including reading, memorizing, and bringing the written word to life. The resemblance of the improvisational mode to real life also creates a more natural progression into psychodramatic scenes in which actual life situations are reenacted.
