Image by Clarita
Improvisational theater has grown around a few basic concepts.One key concept that it is not possible to do real improv without: is “Yes, and…”
Improvisational theater and games unfold along a simple pattern: a player (or audience member, or judge) makes an offer. This could be suggesting a character, a place, an object, a mood, just about anything. Then another player accepts the offer by ‘playing along’ and continues the scene forward.
The key to doing this successfully is referred to as the “Yes, and…” rule. When someone makes a suggestion, no matter how improbable or unexpected, it is the responsibility of the other players to accept the suggestion, add to it or vary it, and keep building the story. The other players do not literally have to say “Yes, and…” but they must accept the offer. To fail to do so is called blocking in improv, and results in the collapse of the scene.
Example:
Player 1 “It’s so dark out here!”
Player 2 “What do you mean it’s dark? I can see perfectly well! Follow me!” [blocking]
- or -
Player 1 “It’s so dark out here!”
Player 2 “I know! I am so scared… hold my hand!” [accepting]
I don’t need to insult anyone’s intelligence by explaining why the second is the better response if you want to move the scene forward as a team.
Whether it is in a staff meeting, a conversation with your spouse, or in a do-or-die emergency brainstorming session, you can see why this is such a powerful tool in real life as well. Building a shared direction and momentum are the result of this approach. It is more efficient and produces better results than a confrontational, win-lose process.
Even when someone else (of course it’s never you!) makes a completely unhelpful suggestion, a skilled facilitator will always use the “Yes, and…” response to keep the process moving forward. Even if it is only being used to gently guide a group out of left field while still respecting the ‘crazy’ contributor as a team member, yes and is always more effective.
To learn more about how an improv workshop can make real the elements required for a great team, contact Clemens at clemens@clemensrettich.com
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