Fairy Tale

The Fairy Tale format is an improv format taught at the Magnet Theater in New York. Despite the name,it doesn't need to be in the fairy tale genre

In this format based on a Harold, players create a musical based on a single suggestion from the audience. It follows a simple story structure with heroes, villains, and charm characters. It’s about having fun and making bold choices.

How to Do It

Get Suggestion

Ask the audience for one-word.

Opening Number

A Song to build out the world serving as an improv opening

Scene A: Heroes and Sidekicks

Two or three players step out. One is the hero, and the others are sidekicks or supportive characters. The hero expresses their goal and what they want to achieve. The sidekicks can be supportive or less optimistic. The hero should be focused on making the world better. The sidekicks help drive this story forward, either by supporting or adding their own perspective.

I Want Song– This song represents the hero's desire, their “I want” moment, showing what the hero wishes to achieve and how they envision the world if their wish is fulfilled.

Scene B: Villains and Henchmen

Two or three new players step out.

These characters have opposing views to the hero. They believe in their own philosophy, which stops the hero from achieving their goal. It's not about their plan.

Philosophy Song – The villain's song shows their philosophy. Their view of the world and why they believe they are right, no matter the cost. They have no doubts, unlike the hero.

Scene C: Charm Characters

Three new players step out. These characters aren’t heroes or villains, but they add to the world. They could be quirky or odd, and might not even know the villains and heroes.

Three person song – The charm characters sing a light-hearted or quirky song.

Scene D: Moment of Doubt

The scene starts optimistically.

The villain enters and shakes the hero’s confidence.

The hero starts to doubt themselves, and the villain feels victorious. This scene shows the hero’s vulnerability and raises the stakes for the final act.

Doubt Song – The song reflects the low point, emphasizing the hero’s despair, doubt, and the villain’s triumph. It’s an emotional song that makes the audience feel the tension and uncertainty.

Scene E: Ending

The story reaches its resolution. The hero and villain may find a way to resolve their conflict or the villain may fail. Charm characters help solve the problem, and the whole cast comes together for the ending.

End Song

A final song where the theme is stated. It’s a big, fun ending to wrap up the musical..Often it's just 2 choruses for time reasons.