Use constraints not rules

I do not like rules. When I see students using the so-called rules of improv I want to say, who made these rules up? Is there an improv God that I am unaware of who says, Thou shalt not say No, and so on?

Rules make the student more inhibited rather than less, more reliant of the conscious editing mind rather than the subconscious pulse or inner impulse. So I say, forget the rules, delve into your play, be present, and see where things go.

On the other hand constraints are wonderful in improv. Charles Eames was once asked if good design is capable of constraints. He replied that good design was dependent on good constraints. A good theater game, a good improv score is crucial for the successful design of an improvised play whether it lasts for an hour or just a minute. So we use well thought-out scores as effective constraints and jettison all rules!

May the pulse be with you!

Abhay

Image: A film, made in 1972, that expresses Charles Eames' approach to design.