improvisational comedy

My experiences with improv comedy are limited to the performances of Without a Box, a student group at the Claremont Colleges and that show with Drew Carey. The format is like that of sketch comedy, only the material is made up on the spot by troupe members as influenced by suggestions from the audience (sometimes helpful, sometimes not). Results may vary, but if you've got a quick, enthusiastic group of actors playing, their interactions with each other and the audience seldom fail to be hugely entertaining, even when a skit flops.

For example, one actor might play an ad executive brainstorming slogans, with a few of the others playing ad writers, and the audience suggesting products to be pitched. "Rugby: it's not just for one-eyed drunken Australians anymore." "Beer: it's what's for dinner." and so on.

1. Yes, and
Referring to the spirit in which the scenes take place. You ideally agree with what you partner says and then add something to it. (Note: Try yes, and'ing your friends and family you'll be surprised how good it feels..)

2. Don't ask questions
This is a general rule of thumb. Experienced improvisers can ask questions and still build a scene together. Inexperienced improvisers will find themselves caught in circles that don't forward the scene.

3. Never Deny
You may never deny the reality which is established by you or your partner. If someone says "Hey Doc, your wife died by the river a few minutes ago" The other performer should not say "I don't have a wife" or "She's not dead"

There are two styles of improvisational comedy, Short Form Improv and Long Form Improv.
Some excellent books to read on the subject are The Compass, Something Wonderful Right Away, Truth in Comedy, Improvisation for the Theater, Impro and Impro for Storytellers.