Chapter 2

SPONTANEITY

"The improviser must be like a man walking backwards. He sees where he has been, but he pays no attention to the future."

We are often taught to "think before we speak". In improv, this is the enemy. The "Censor" in our mind tries to keep us safe by blocking ideas that might seem "crazy" or "obscene".

To be spontaneous, we must silence the Censor. We do this by Accepting Offers. When we block an offer, the scene dies. When we accept and add to it ("Yes, And"), the scene lives.

Exercise 1: Word Association (Voice)

Voice Word Association

Speak a new word before the bar runs out. Any word. Don't think.

Requires Microphone Access

Exercise 2: The Offer Acceptance

The "Yes, And" Machine

Say "Yes..." to accept the offer and advance the story.

The scene begins...

You find a mysterious glowing orb in the attic. It hums with a low vibration.