Improv … Ways to Make Improv Work – Some Key Rules of Improv
Progress the Action – with Improv “Action begins with the disruption of a routine” (Keith Johnstone)
Focus on agreement and progress – move forward with agreement, not disagreement.
Yes and – In Improv, always say ‘Yes, and’ rather than ‘No or But’. ‘Yes and’ is very empowering and it will make everyone be right. ‘No or but’ are words that have the effect of stopping the action. ‘Yes and’ moves conversations forward and has people continue to listen instead of shutting down at the ‘No or But’.
With Improv, Be in the Now – Concentrate on the Relationships – the actors must stay present in the scene. This skill involves really listening and really letting go of personal agendas for a scene on stage.
Make your teammates look brilliant – During Improv, Use proper Names, Be Specific – Focus on the other people on the team, use their proper names, acknowledge their contribution. Be Specific, ensure they have what they need to do their job on stage. Make them look brilliant, and you will too!
Be a Character – Play up to the intelligence of the Character – Taking up another persona can be effective and fun. Engage and be different when making a request or presenting an idea. Act as if you are someone else, will take the pressure off of being yourself. Think and play up… What would the character say? How would they stand? What would they do? You will get different results! Use your emotional Instinctive edge – this is the authentic emotion. Hesitation is negative, don’t think, just do. Instinct speeds the action of the scene.