Principles of Improv

Listen – As simple as this seems, it is probably one of the most difficult skills to master. Listening will free you from having to think of what you are going to say a head of time.
Agreement (Yes, And…) – Assuming you have listened, you will be able to agree with what was said AND add information. Agreement is what allows a scene to progress!
Team Work (Group Mind) – Improv is a vast mechanism of give and take and support. The group mind is greater then the individual.
Don’t Block – One of the quickest ways to destroy group mind is by blocking other players, going for the joke or not listening.
Relationship – The scene is always about the relationship, not things or what you are doing. Make the scene focus on the relationship.
Initiation – This is the Who, What and Where of the scene… establishing the Who, What and Where of the scene is essential to having a great scene.
Point of View, Opinion & Intention – Enter a scene with a point of view, opinion or intention… let these drive your character and response.
Be in Character – Maintain your character throughout the scene. Be the character to the top of its intelligence.
Don’t Ask Questions – Questions your scene partner to do all the work. Make assumptions and turn questions into statements.
Make Active Choices – Do something, don’t be a talking head. Do something but don’t make the scene about that something.

References

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