rules of improv

1. Say "Yes, And"

2. Don't be a jerk!

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!

2. Don't be a jerk!

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".

3. Really listen

2. Don't be a jerk!

4. Don't ask too many questions.

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.

4. Don't ask too many questions.

It's forcing your scene partner to do all the work. Make bold statements!

5. There are no mistakes.

4. Don't ask too many questions.

5. There are no mistakes.

If the scene goes in a wildly different direction, great! This is the best part of improv!

rules of Alzprov

1. Relax!

2. Really listen to your scene partner and their environment.

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.

2. Really listen to your scene partner and their environment.

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?

3. Say "Yes, And"!

2. Really listen to your scene partner and their environment.

4. Avoid asking questions or using too many words

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.

4. Avoid asking questions or using too many words

5. It's not lying, if you are truly joining them in their reality

4. Avoid asking questions or using too many words

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.

5. It's not lying, if you are truly joining them in their reality

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.

6. There are no mistakes!

5. It's not lying, if you are truly joining them in their reality

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.