Westminster Improv

Rules of Improv 1.Never say “no”/Don’t deny anyone 2.No open-ended questions 3.Don’t try to be funny 4.Your job is to make everyone else look good 5.Tell a story

1. Never say “no”/Don’t deny anyone If your scene partner says you’re in a McDonalds in Tokyo, then you’re in a McDonalds in Tokyo. Take what your partner says and add something to it. Say “yes, and.”

2. Don’t ask open-ended questions Never ask “who are you?” – Questions like this require the players to take pointless time coming up with answers. Improv scenes take place in medias res (in the midst of things). It’s best to assume you know one another. The trick is establishing your relationships.

3. Don’t Try to be Funny It’s better to be interesting and engaging than funny. Let any humor come naturally. Some say that solid improv is inherently humorous.

4. Your job is to make everyone else look good You might have the best idea ever conceived, but your partner is not a mind-reader. Give a “gift.” Example: “Hey Tim! Come check out this new sweater I bought!” Better example: “Tim! I thought you said you weren’t going to wear that sweater after the accident.”

5. Tell a Story Easiest to remember, but most difficult to do. It’s easy for a scene to go nowhere. Remember basic plot structure. – Build to a climax, then cut the scene.

Logistical Stuff What we need: – A place to meet/rehearse in the future? – Commitment