Tell us the 3 rules of improv
Practice the three basic improv rules: accept offers, say "Yes, and...", and support teammates using short acting games to build confidence and teamwork.
Step-by-step guide to practice the 3 rules of improv
Step 1
Do a quick warm-up by shaking your arms and legs for ten seconds so your body feels loose and ready.
Step 2
Say out loud "Accept offers" so you remember that when someone gives an idea you should keep it and use it.
Step 3
Say out loud "Yes, and..." so you remember to agree with a teammate's idea and add something new.
Step 4
Say out loud "Support teammates" so you remember to help others shine and make their ideas better.
Step 5
Play One-Word Story: stand in a circle and take turns saying one word each to build a short story until it ends or the timer hits 60 seconds.
Step 6
Play a two-person "Yes, and..." scene for 60 seconds where every line begins with "Yes, and" and adds a new detail.
Step 7
Play Repeat-and-Add: one player says a sentence then the next player repeats it and adds one new detail; switch roles after three turns.
Step 8
Listen carefully during each game and do not interrupt so you can accept offers and support teammates.
Step 9
Give each teammate one quick genuine compliment about something they did in a game to practice supporting each other.
Step 10
Share your finished improv scene or what you learned on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a timer or can't access DIY.org?
Use a phone or kitchen timer to time the 60-second games and, if DIY.org isn't available, record your finished improv scene on a phone or tablet to share later.
What should we do if players keep interrupting or can't think of words during One-Word Story?
If players interrupt, reinforce the 'Listen carefully' rule and give a physical talking token or have everyone do the ten-second arm-and-leg shake before the round to focus, and if they struggle in One-Word Story, allow two-syllable words or give a prompt word to start.
How can I adapt the activities for ages 4–6, 7–10, and 11+?
For ages 4–6, shorten rounds to 20–30 seconds and use picture prompts for One-Word Story; for 7–10 keep 60-second rounds and encourage simple 'Yes, and...' additions; for 11+ increase scene length, add character objectives, or record to post on DIY.org.
How can we make the improv games more fun or personal?
Add simple props or costume pieces for the 'Yes, and...' scenes, introduce a theme or emotion card for each 60-second round, and use the 'Give each teammate one quick genuine compliment' step as part of a sharing circle before posting.
Watch videos on how to practice the 3 rules of improv
How to Yes, And... in Improv
3 Videos
How to Yes, And... in Improv
Rules of Improvisation
Easy Improv Games for Kids — Perfect for Homeschool Drama or Theater Class 🎭 #improvisation
Facts about improvisation and drama games
🌟 Famous comedians such as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell trained in improv troupes like The Second City.
🎲 Fun warm-up games like 'Zip Zap Zop' and 'One-Word Story' are used to sharpen focus and timing.
🎭 Improv is short for improvisational theatre — actors make up scenes on the spot without a script.
🧠 Keith Johnstone helped popularize the 'Yes, and...' rule to keep scenes moving and ideas growing.
🤝 Teachers and coaches use improv games to build confidence, listening skills, and teamwork in kids.
How do you practice the three improv rules with children?
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