The Ten Rules of Improv Comedy
Created | Updated Apr 18, 2013
Improvisational comedy troupes follow variations of a particularly laid out code of conduct. These "Ten Rules", aka "The Rules" are meant to:
a) Yield the most creative and humorous bits, skits, and workable ideas of the troupe members.
b) Avoid comon pitfalls of comedy
c) Indicate where and how the troupe may work in order to increase a) and/or b)
Some say these rules may, in some metaphysical sense, be a guide to Life, itself. Others, of course encourage these people to relax.
The following are the ten rules to any good improv comedy troupe. They have been created and revised through collaborative efforts of many comedy groupings, though, though primary credit goes to the American improv comedian, <LINK HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Close>Del Close.</LINK>
Members of comedy troupes are encouraged to master The Rules prior to embarking on improvisational excercises, games, or performances.
They are:
1) Never TRY to be funny.
2) Remember “Yes, and…” Accept and build. Agree.
3) Be Honest. Stay in the moment, don’t force or contrive it. Beware of the cheap, limiting humor (sex, violence, bathroom humor, swearing).
4) Respect the other players, and make them look good. There is no such thing as a mistake. Don’t steal, trap, or ‘pimp’.
5) Listen and Look for everything in the scene and at the scene as a whole. Know where it ends. Start in the middle.
6) Find your function/role in every game/scene.
7) Follow the Unexpected Twist, take the Active and Unusual Choice.
8) Keep it simple, clear, and specific. Welcome the silences and pace.
9) Suggestions are the inspiration to discover the theme and environment.
10) Never forget to HAVE FUN.
a) Yield the most creative and humorous bits, skits, and workable ideas of the troupe members.
b) Avoid comon pitfalls of comedy
c) Indicate where and how the troupe may work in order to increase a) and/or b)
Some say these rules may, in some metaphysical sense, be a guide to Life, itself. Others, of course encourage these people to relax.
The following are the ten rules to any good improv comedy troupe. They have been created and revised through collaborative efforts of many comedy groupings, though, though primary credit goes to the American improv comedian, <LINK HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Close>Del Close.</LINK>
Members of comedy troupes are encouraged to master The Rules prior to embarking on improvisational excercises, games, or performances.
They are:
1) Never TRY to be funny.
2) Remember “Yes, and…” Accept and build. Agree.
3) Be Honest. Stay in the moment, don’t force or contrive it. Beware of the cheap, limiting humor (sex, violence, bathroom humor, swearing).
4) Respect the other players, and make them look good. There is no such thing as a mistake. Don’t steal, trap, or ‘pimp’.
5) Listen and Look for everything in the scene and at the scene as a whole. Know where it ends. Start in the middle.
6) Find your function/role in every game/scene.
7) Follow the Unexpected Twist, take the Active and Unusual Choice.
8) Keep it simple, clear, and specific. Welcome the silences and pace.
9) Suggestions are the inspiration to discover the theme and environment.
10) Never forget to HAVE FUN.
