IMPROV

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THE DONT'S 🚫

The rules:

 Don't Deny:

When someone else on the scene says something that contains information about what is happening or how someone looks/acts, do not say something that will deny their information or rule it out. 

  Don't Ask questions:

In a scene you can't ask broad questions that will put your partner in a position in which they don't know what to say or do. EX: Who are you?, What are we doing?

 Don't negotiate:

This one is also like don't deny because in another way you are denying information your partner is giving you. But, in this one, instead of denying it straight away, you negotiate the info.
EX: "Wow look at this beautiful purple flower!" wrong answer would be: "No actually, that beautiful flower is blue."

  Don't use objects/props:

If scene required item for it to make sense, use a made up prop instead of an actual item so it doesn't limit the scene. 

  Don't do teaching scenes:

Teaching scenes in improv is bad because you are basically telling the other people in the scene what to do.
EX: "OK! So, today we will be doing a yoga class. So you guys have to this position (does position)." This person is basically telling the other people what to do. 

  Don't talk about past or future events:

Do not mention past scenes so that the scene can something new and creative letting it go for longer. This can also mean to try and stay in the present. So when a scene starts, don't say "Last week I had my braces taken off." instead say, "I have to get my braces removes today". 

 Don't dictate action:

In scene, you shouldn't dictate what you are going to do and just do the action.
EX: "Im going to walk over there now" Instead of saying that and walking, you just walk.

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THE DO'S ✅

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The rules

     Yes, and...

This is probably the most important rule because it has to do with the don't deny rule. So when given information you always accept it and add to it. 

    No mistakes:

This means that when you're on stage doing improv, whatever you do isn't a mistake. Everything counts so you shouldn't ever apologize for something you added to the scene.

 Establish WHO, WHAT, WHERE

Establishing these things help the scene develop and it helps your partner add on to what you're saying.

IMPROV TIPS AND SUCCESSES
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    What happens if we don't follow the rules?

If we don't follow the rules, the scene will not flow 

    Do we always follow the rules?

We follow the rules most of the time. However, there are some exceptions such as character disagreement.

 Why do we have rules?

We have rules to keep a scene flowing with a good plot and characters

Talking too much

Don't talk so much so that the scene has an end.

DO SOMETHING 🚩 

   If anything, always do something.
  1. Don't hesitate on doing something!
  2. It doesn't matter what you do, just do it!
  Take care of yourself and your partner

Never out your partner on the spot and always make them look good 

  Exercise to do at home individually

Thinking of improv scenes you can always use, make up detailed stories on the spot, and make up monologues about objects 

    Be Brave.
  1. Do get out of the comfort zone.
  2. Do NOT hesitate to try something new.
    Establish Context

When in a scene, besides establishing who, what, where. 

 Be Authentic.
  1. Do something that's from the bottom of your heart instead of an idea that is from other people.
  2. Be original
      Don't choose an Emotional State Beforehand.
  1. Understanding the scene and flow with it.
  2. It is the opposite of what it sounds.
  3. For improv, don't go onstage with a set mindset or feeling or one character.
  4. Actors do not do this because since it is improv, you do not know what to expect. If you come out with something that is not relatable, it will not make the scene productful. 
    Show, don't tell:

This rules is saying that when in a scene, try not only to say dioulouge but also do something. 

 Using a Character that always works for you

Select a character that allows you to express the uniqueness of who you are and speaks to your strengths or is in your sweet spot.

  Be Changeable
  1. Try to be different characters in the scene.
  2. Choose different personalities, experiences, backgrounds.
  3. Experiment with different moods as well. 
  The Second Law of Thermodynamics
  1. The light hitting the stage
    1. The audience
    2. Air conditioning and heating system
    3. The improvisers
    4. Sound energy (voices)
    5. Kinetic energy (improviser's movement)
    6. Potential energy (lack of sound and movement)
   Be Present
  1. Do get out of the comfort zone.
  2. Do NOT hesitate to try something new.

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