The Tenets of Improv

Improv is part of a living tradition, and isn’t set in stone. Instead, traditionally, it is passed by teachers and students through hands-on practice and personal experience. While most teachers stick to a core idea of improv, each brings their own POV. For this blog post, we’re leaning on the definitions from the book The Applied Improvisation Mindset as a starting point. 

The tenets of improv include

1. Say “Yes, And…”

2. Active listening

3. Make offers; accept offers

4. Don’t block or dismiss

5. You know everything you need to know

6. Play to the top of your intelligence

7. Make your partner look good

While there are no “wrong” moves, some choices just work better than others. In improv, when someone steps on stage, they can do almost anything, and there are no mistakes. But certain choices help keep the scene going, better cooperation, and make it more fun for everyone.

Active listening - slow down, make eye contact, take a breath together, and give your scene partner your full attention. While tough, this tenet is so important. It’s easy to get distracted or focus on what you’ll say next. This kind of focus helps you stay present and connect with your scene partner and the actions taking place on stage.

Make offers; accept offers - an offer is anything an improviser says or does, and it helps move the scene along. Accepting offers is crucial for advancing a scene.

Don’t block, dismiss, or negate - a block would negate the offer. Dismissing or negating can make it harder for the scene to move forward. It can also make the scene feel less believable.

You know everything you need to know - jump in and fully commit. 

Play to the top of your intelligence - make choices that come from honesty. The funny will come naturally, so don’t make your character silly for laughs. Instead grounding your characters will support your partners and the scene you’re in.

Make your partner look good - focus on your scene partner, listen, highlight their strengths, support them, and share the stage generously. Improv lives in collaboration and generosity.

Say “Yes, and” - say yes to what your scene partner has offered, and then add something of your own to keep the scene going. It’s a simple idea that captures a lot of the spirit of improv. It helps avoid blocks, encourages offers, supports being in the moment, and makes your scene partner look good.