To whatever your scene partner gives you, AGREE.
Say, "of course", or "Let's do it!" or "Okay!"
Any version of "Yes, And" will do!
In Improv, "The Jerk" is the scene partner who responds with "No, But".
For example, a scene partner says they won't be at work tomorrow because they have a dentist appointment, and the Jerk responds:
"(No,) we don't work together".
Don't just plan what you're going to say next!
Scene Partners who are just thinking about their next line or next joke aren't really improvising, they are writing a script. Real improv is completely made up in the moment.
It's forcing your scene partner to do all the work. Make bold statements!
If the scene goes in a wildly different direction, great! This is the best part of improv!
Your scene partner may choose to start the scene as a drama. Your first instinct may be to use reality orientation and help them in real life. Don't let the words be the only clue to what is going on. The words don't always come out right. No matter what scene your partner starts with, the first step is to relax.
Listen to more than just the words:
Are they tired, in pain, afraid, hungry, or need to go to the bathroom? Try to gain information about the scene your partner is creating using clues from the environment. Is the TV too loud? Is it too cold or too hot in the room? Are there too many people in the room?
Move the scene forward by accepting whatever your scene partner gives you in the scene by
using "agreement words such as "Yes", "Okay" and gestures such as nodding or a light touch. Let your scene partner know that you are with them and they are not alone.
Questions may put too much pressure on your scene partner to respond, and may cause them to become frustrated. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may lose understanding of certain vocabulary words, so its best to try not to overwhelm them with language.
It may seem unnatural to "lie" about a deceased person being alive, or about going to a home that has long been sold.
If you truly join your scene partner in 1950 when those things were still around, you are not lying.
You are joining them in the moment.
Everything is an opportunity.
The scene may make no sense. The important thing is that you are communicating with your scene partner, and they feel heard. Through the scene, you may gain valuable information about their needs, wants, fears, concerns, and joys.
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