rules of improvisation

Why Improvisation?

Improvisation skills can help people become: more pragmatic, playful, flexible, imaginative, and courageous.

Pragmatic (practical)

* Accept Reality

Pragmatic (practical)

* Accept Reality * Pay Attention

Pragmatic (practical)

* Accept Reality * Pay Attention * Listen

Playful

* Have fun

Playful

* Have fun *Collaborate

Playful

* Have fun *Collaborate * Diffuse difficult situations

Flexible

* Be adaptive

Flexible

* Be adaptive * Willing to change

Flexible

* Be adaptive * Willing to change * Keep an open mind

Imaginative

* Ideas there when needed

Imaginative

* Ideas there when needed * Open flow to imagination

Imaginative

* Ideas there when needed * Open flow to imagination * Letting ideas come without filters or judgement

Courageous

* Fail and get over it

Courageous

* Fail and get over it * Take risks

Courageous

* Fail and get over it * Take risks * Share imagination

Courageous

* Fail and get over it * Take risks * Share imagination * Think on your feet

Rules of Improvisation

1. Yes, and...

Often considered the main rule of Improv.

Do not negate or shut down other people's statements.

Instead, add on to them.

When “Yes, and...” is not used:

Scene: Fun with Friends

“Are you ready to skate?”“What are you talking about?

We’re not at a skating rink, we’re on a basketball court!”

The scene is killed.

A wall is put up and they are working against each other.

When “Yes, and...” is used:

Scene: Fun with friends

“Are you ready to skate?”“ ”

Scene can develop.

They now have a place for the scene to go and are

“playing off each other”--not against each other.

Try a scene of your own with and without “Yes, and....”

(without first)

2. Don’t have a plan.

•

• Be in the moment. • Don’t come in with a set agenda,

• Let the scene evolve.• Listen and react.

With an agenda:

Scene: After School

“Did you see what Antonio did in math class today?”

“Did I tell you I’m auditioning for American Idol? I’m going to sing

Whitney Houston.”

Without an agenda:

Scene: After School

“Did you see what Antonio did in math class today?”

“ ”

Try a scene of your own both ways.

3. Don’t try to be funny.

•

• Let the humor come naturally,• don’t force it.

When the humor is forced:

Scene: At the Mall

“What do you think of this jacket?”“Burpppp.”

Scene can’t develop.

It may get a quick laugh but not much else.

4. Make the active choice.

•

• Audiences love action.

• Show rather than tell.

Without the active choice:

Scene: After School

“We should go running later.”“Yes, but running is hard and I do get

tired easily.”

The active choice:

Scene: After School

“Ready to run?”“Let’s go...(pant, pant) Hey, slow down will you? I think I (pant) am getting a

(pant, pant) Ahhhhhh!!!” (falls to ground clutching side)

Try a scene of your own with and without the active choice.

(without first)

Rules of Improv: Review

Yes, and...

Be in the moment

Don’t try to be funny

Make the active choice

Yes, and...

Be in the moment

Don’t try to be funny

Make the active choice

Apply to real life?