Improv Rules

Improvisation Rules

Be sure to:

• AGREE! Agree & listen carefully! Make your partner look good
• "YES, AND..." Take responsibility for moving the scene forward. Always add to what has been said! Give ideas and suggestions. Remember there are only mistakes--only happy accidents!
• SPEAK IN STATEMENTS! Don’t respond with a question. Move the scene forward! 
• NAME IT! Don't be vague or unclear. Name what you have in your hand. Name the person in front of you. Name the place you are! 
• USE PHYSICALITY! Be physically active to find new happy accidents.

In other words...be sure NOT to do the following: 

• Don’t negate anything your partner says. Always say “yes”.
• Don’t steal the show.
• Don’t ignore or deny your partner. Be inclusive.
• Don’t change the storyline....go with what's been given! Take cues from your partner!

Tina Fey explains the rules of Improv

It's a bit choppy, as she is on the Actor's Studio and then does a bit of reading from her book, Bossypants--watch until 8:00.