Before You Start Class- Improv Class Guidelines

I've noticed this happening less and less, so I thought I'd write about the importance of starting every new block of improv classes or therapy group with community guidelines.

Some people call them no-go topics or red cards. They are topics that players feel uncomfortable with or would rather not engage with in the improv space. Some examples are touching, swearing, intimacy, or politics. Touching base at the beginning of your block of classes or group to discuss these guidelines is important for multiple reasons.

• They set the tone for everything that follows.

  
  

• Shared Ownership: Guidelines aren’t rules handed down from above—they’re co-created agreements. This process empowers participants to shape the culture of the group.

  
  

• Safety First: Whether participants are exploring vulnerability in therapy or taking creative risks in improv, guidelines create a container of safety. They reassure everyone that their boundaries will be respected.

  
  

• Clarity in the Messiness: Improv is spontaneous, and therapy groups often navigate complex emotions. Guidelines provide a compass, helping participants know how to respond when things get messy.

  
  

• Inclusivity: Explicitly naming values like respect, consent, and curiosity ensures that marginalized voices aren’t overlooked. It makes space for everyone to show up authentically.

  
  

Improv is built on trust. Players need to know they can take risks without fear of ridicule or harm. Guidelines like “Yes, and…” or “Support your scene partner” aren’t just techniques—they’re cultural norms. By naming them at the start, facilitators remind participants that the stage is a collaborative playground, not a competitive arena.

If you are facilitating an improv therapy group, guidelines around confidentiality, non-judgment, and listening deeply help participants feel safe enough to open up. They can also help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone’s healing process is respected.

Ultimately, community guidelines aren’t about restriction; they’re about liberation. They free participants to take risks, be playful, and share vulnerably because they know the group has their back. Starting with guidelines is like tuning instruments before a symphony, they ensure harmony before the first note is played.