I encountered the Ten Commandments of Theatresports when I was first introduced to improvisation in New Zealand during the 1980s. These helpful “rules” provide a launching point to consider many of the fundamental principles that serve as the bedrock of most modern improvisational practices. There is some debate as to whether or not rules are necessarily helpful or may, rather, encourage players to think too much while creating onstage. Overall, however, I think there is sage wisdom to be mined, and I used these ten guidelines to inspire one of my first ImprovDr.com blog series.
Below you’ll find a summary of the commandments. Each entry is also connected to a game or exercise that explores the concept.
The Commandments
1.) Thou shalt not block
2.) Thou shalt always retain focus
3.) Thou shalt not shine above thy team mates
4.) To gag is to commit a sin that will be paid for
5.) Thou shalt always be changed by what is said to you
6.) Thou shalt not waffle
7.) When in doubt, break the routine
8.) To wimp is to show thy true self
9.) Those who try to be clever are not, while those who are clever, do not try
10.) When thy faith is low, thy spirit weak, thy good fortune strained and thy team losing, be comforted and smile, because it just doesn’t matter!
This is just a taste of this entry/concept. Go here for more information.
Related Entries: See specific Commandments linked above Antonyms: Chaos Synonyms: Rules, Structure
Cheers, David Charles.
www.improvdr.com
Join my Facebook group here.
© 2020 David Charles/ImprovDr