11 Commandments
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Description
This is an encyclopedia entry.
We've included these because we've gotten quite a few questions about this: it's the 11 Commandments for Improv, attributed to Del Close . The original text can be found at www.improvolympic.com
General Principles
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You are all supporting actors.
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Always check your impulses.
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Never enter a scene unless you are NEEDED.
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Save your fellow actor, don't worry about the piece.
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Your prime responsibility is to support.
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Work at the top of your brains at all times.
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Never underestimate or condescend to your audience.
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No jokes (unless it is tipped in front that it is a joke.)
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Trust... trust your fellow actors to support you; trust them to come through if you lay something heavy on them; trust yourself.
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Avoid judging what is going down except in terms of whether it needs help (either by entering or cutting), what can best follow, or how you can support it imaginatively if your support is called for.
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LISTEN