WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVISATION REMEMBER RULE # 1 : “YES! And…”
Rule # 2: When in doubt, refer to rule #1
Want to be a great improviser, always think “YES!, and….” When performing an improvisation, you and a partner are teaming up to build a scene. Players listen and respond to build details and action.
STEP 1: You speak STEP 2: Your partner speaks. (WASH RINSE) REPEAT
The best scenes come from accepting what is said, adding to the details and forwarding the action of the scene.
Player One: I really like that brown-haired dog best.
Player Two: Yes, and that dog is a great choice for a family.
Player One: Yes, and I really like his friendly personality.
Player Two: Yes, and his short hair will be easy to groom.
Player One: Yes and I will go ahead and buy him.
Player Two: Great! I will get all of the paper work ready for you.
Every statement above adds details or action. In six lines of dialogue we already learned a lot about the characters, where they are and what is happening. Obviously you do not have to say the words “YES! and…, ” every time but always think about adding to the scene.
EXERCISE 1) Player ONE makes a statement. (Ex “I just bought new shoes”) Player TWO listens and responds starting with the words “YES! And…” (ex “YES! AND they match your outfit wonderfully”). Repeat series of couplets.
EXERCISE 2) Tell a story. In a circle each player adds one statement at a time starting with the words “YES! And…”.
EXERCISE 3) Two players perform a scene. Each new statement starts with the words “YES! And…”
Mr. Frasier has appeared on film, TV, Commercials and the Live theaer and is currently the director of intruction for the COMEDY HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION (www.comedyhalloffame.com)See Walt Frasier live in Times Square and touring nationwide in Improv Comedy Troupe EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH. (www.eightimprov.biz)
