IMPROVISATION

HINT: Must follow RULES :each student has short-copy. 

Takes time to learn the Rules…keep encouraging them. 

1-5 Long Version: TOP FIVE RULES FOR IMPROV 

( Short version of Rules to handout on next page.)

1. NO SIDE TALKING- refrain from making side comments to each other, both while doing the activity and while processing the activity.  Only share insights or challenges when asked. Everyone involved will feel safer if they know there will be no side talking or gossiping.

2. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS: There are specific formats or rules for every exercise and game that the players must follow. For example : If description of exercise says that each player can only speak one word at a time, one speak one word at a time, not two or three. 

3. COMMIT 100%: Committing yourself 100% to the activities is most important thing you can do to make them fun and meaningful. All people involved, 70% or even 50%.  It is similar to hang gliding. You either do or don’t.

4. ACCEPT: Accept what the other players say and do.  If another player hands you something and says, “Congratulations Johnny! You got an A on your spelling test,” you immediately become a student receiving your spelling test, and you could reply with “Thanks Mrs. Barney.  I even spelled schedule right.”    This is the where a students says, “YES, and…..”

5. DON’’T TRY TO BE FUNNY: Many times people will introduce contrived material into the activities to try to be funny, smart or witty.  This takes away from the possibilities of the activity and detracts from everyone’s learning experience.  All activities can be fun and often end up being very funny ---just having fun versus trying to be funny!

           BOOK:  IMPROV 101 Unleash Your Creative Spirit, by Craig Zablocki

                        (Plus 45 All-time Greatest Improv Games)    

“I was surprised how much they learned and how hysterical learning is through IMPROV !  I have used it with elementary, middle, college and Adults.  It is a gem.  Enjoy!”,  Doc Worley.