Make big choices early, and often

Amy Poehler on her early lessons of improvisation:

"I learned some rules that I still try to apply today:

* Listen.

* Say, "Yes."

* Live in the moment.

* Make sure you play with people that have your back.

* Make big choices early, and often.

* Don't start a scene where two people are talking about jumping out of a plane. Start the scene, having already jumped.

* If you're scared, look into your partner's eyes. You will feel better."

(photo by Jeff Hallam, used with permission)