What are 3 of the main rules when acting improvisation?
A Guide to the Core Principles That Keep Improvised Scenes Alive
(By Javier Guerra)
1. Always Say “Yes, And…”
In the world of improvisational acting, nothing is more fundamental than the golden rule: “Yes, and…” This rule lies at the heart of every good improv scene and refers to the principle of acceptance and expansion. In practice, this means that when your scene partner offers an idea, line, or action—no matter how wild or unexpected—you must accept it (“yes”) and then add to it (“and”).
This rule ensures that the momentum of the scene continues. Denial or rejection can kill a scene instantly. Improv is all about building something together, and “Yes, and” is the scaffolding.
Example:
Imagine you’re in a scene and your partner says, “Wow, I can’t believe we’re on the moon!” If you respond with, “We’re not on the moon, we’re in a grocery store,” you’ve effectively shut down the scene’s trajectory. But if you reply with, “I know! And we only have 10 minutes before the oxygen runs out!” you’ve just built on the idea, adding stakes, urgency, and drama.
“Yes, and” helps foster collaboration, spontaneity, and trust between scene partners. It’s not just a rule of improv—it’s a mindset of openness and creativity.
Why it matters:
This principle makes scenes richer, more engaging, and infinitely more fun to watch and perform. It also teaches actors (and audiences) the importance of listening and validating others’ ideas.
2. Don’t Try to Be Funny—Be Honest
One of the most common misconceptions about improvisation is that it’s all about being funny. While many improv scenes are hilarious, the humor comes organically from the situation and the characters’ truthful reactions—not from forced punchlines or exaggerated antics.
The second essential rule is this: be honest, not funny. Great improv comes from commitment to the moment. When actors are fully invested in the reality they’re creating—even if that reality is absurd—the comedy or drama naturally follows.
Example:
If your scene partner says, “I can’t believe you forgot to feed our invisible tiger,” your gut reaction might be to try to make a joke. But the better move is to stay grounded in the reality of the scene. Maybe you respond with, “I’m sorry. I was stuck in traffic after the unicorn parade. I’ll get his imaginary steak right now.”
By treating the imaginary situation as real and responding truthfully, the absurdity becomes even funnier. The audience laughs because of your commitment, not because you’re trying too hard.
Why it matters:
Audiences can sense when actors are pushing for laughs—and it takes them out of the moment. But when actors respond sincerely within the invented world, the results are more surprising and often more hilarious. Honesty anchors the scene and lets the unexpected emerge naturally.
3. Support Your Scene Partner
Improvisation is a team sport. Every actor on stage is working together to build a story in real time. That’s why one of the most important rules is: make your partner look good.
In other words, your job isn’t to hog the spotlight, deliver the best line, or dominate the scene. Your job is to support your fellow actors by listening, contributing, and responding in ways that elevate the scene and your partners’ ideas.
Example:
Let’s say your partner enters the scene limping and says, “It’s worse than I thought—the dragon bit me!” You could make a joke and say, “You were just dancing weird,” but a better choice would be, “We need to treat that right away! Where’s the salve from the wizard?”
In the second option, you’re validating their choice, helping move the plot forward, and giving them more to work with. You’re playing with them, not against them.
Why it matters:
Great improv comes from connection and generosity. When each actor focuses on helping the others succeed, magic happens. This rule builds trust on stage and creates an environment where everyone feels safe to take creative risks.
Putting It All Together: An Improv Scene Example
Let’s take all three rules—“Yes, and,” honesty, and supporting your partner—and see how they work together in a short scene:
Scene: Two hikers are lost in a magical forest.
Actor A: “Look at that tree… it has eyes! I think it’s watching us.”
(Yes, and — Actor A is creating a magical world.)
Actor B: “And it’s moving closer. Maybe it’s trying to guide us out of here?”
(Yes, and — builds on the idea, doesn’t contradict it.)
Actor A: “Let’s follow it. I trust it more than the map you bought from that shady elf.”
(Honest response grounded in the world of the scene.)
Actor B: “Hey, that elf gave me a discount! But yeah… I think the tree’s our best shot.”
(Supporting the partner by building on the elf character while advancing the story.)
This scene works because the actors are accepting offers, adding new details, committing to the story, and helping each other shine.
Bonus Tips for Great Improv
While the three main rules will take you far, here are a few extra tips that can strengthen your improvisational skills:
Establish the who, what, and where quickly. Scenes are clearer and more engaging when the audience knows who the characters are, what they’re doing, and where they are.
Avoid questions. Questions can shift the burden of idea generation to your partner. Instead, make confident statements.
Use physicality. Movement, gestures, and facial expressions can help bring scenes to life, even without dialogue.
Stay in character. Resist the urge to “break” or laugh unless it’s true to the character.
Improvisation Beyond the Stage
The beauty of these rules is that they don’t just apply to comedy clubs or theater classrooms—they’re incredibly valuable in everyday life.
“Yes, and” encourages open-mindedness and collaborative conversation.
Honest responses foster genuine communication and empathy.
Supporting others helps build trust, teamwork, and strong relationships.
In fact, many corporate training programs, educational settings, and leadership workshops use improvisation to teach communication, adaptability, and creative thinking.
Conclusion: The Art of Spontaneous Storytelling
Improvisation is often described as flying without a net—and that’s part of what makes it so exhilarating. But while it may look chaotic or unplanned, good improv is rooted in discipline, trust, and clear guiding principles.
The three main rules—say “Yes, and,” be honest, and support your scene partner—form the backbone of strong improvisational scenes. Mastering these not only improves your performance skills but also enhances your creativity, communication, and confidence in daily life.
Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, keep these rules in mind. They’ll help you navigate the unpredictable world of improvisation and find joy in the unexpected.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.