Improv: 101
A quick look into Improv and how to play.
What is Improv? How do we play?
the form of theatre, often comedy, in which most or all of what is performed
is unplanned or unscripted: created spontaneously by the performers.
There is a set of “rules” or skills one must know and follow to play in the
world of improv.
Basics of
Improv
At the start of play, you are given
a suggestion, typically from the
audience. This suggestion is what
the scene will be about.
You can get as specific as you
would like with your suggestion.
(i.e. location, time of year,
relationship between players etc.)
Basics (cont.)
One of the two players begins the scene by creating the environment that
was suggested and the playing begins.
There are a lot of different forms and playing styles within the world of
improv.
Each group of players is called a troupe and they rehearse together to
become stronger team of players.
When you are improving
with someone, the things
you say back and forth
that keep the scene alive
and going are called gifts.
They are called gifts
because the are scared
and should be held on to
and not turned away. You
wouldn’t turn away a
physical gift would you?
The same rule applies for
improv.
Gifts
Number One
Rule of Improv:
You can not say
No!
Why is saying “No” such a bad thing?
Saying no or denying a gift given to you by your scene partner, stops
the momentum of play.
This does not mean you have to subject yourself to something you
are uncomfortable with. But you must work within the world we are
playing in and be open to new ideas and choices.
So what do
I do when I
can’t say no?
You obviously say YES but
there’s a very important
second part!
The Rule of “Yes, And…”
What does “Yes, And…” mean?
How to use
“Yes,
And…”
while
playing
• As the scene is going on and gifts are being exchanged,
there’s an underlying theme that is standard in improv.
• You receive a gift in the scene and respond with “Yes,
And…”adding another piece of information to keep
the scene going.
• The Yes is an acceptance of the gift and the “And…” is
what you give back to your partner and the scene.
An example of “Yes, And…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCjXuXDamNE
Let’s Discuss! How is this game an example of the
“Yes, and….” concept?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghd34U
VT0-Y
Examples:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQTXR
rH0AvE