When I learned improv for the first time with a former Blue Man Group and current Lion King Cub wrangler, I realized that that sentence alone is why I need improv in my life. Not only does it attract the most interesting people, but also the bravest. To force yourself onstage with only your body and your brain--no matter the kind of day you're having--and to just be honest, is one of the most terrifying things ever. Plus, unlike therapy, you're expected to "be funny". Taking classes again at Improv Shop, I've already picked up some life lessons you learn when you take a stab at improv.
The classic "Yes, and...
This is the first rule universally taught in improv. It emphasizes agreeing to whatever your partner or experience throws at you. A lot of comedians subscribe to this philosophy, as it makes for a more positive way of embracing challenge. It also operates under the assumption of "base reality." Base reality is the established world created in the scene, and so if something is presented vastly far out of the base reality, it is best to challenge it creatively, instead of denying it all together.
Instead of "Yes, but..."
This is just another way of saying "yes, but no" which just complicates communication. Just agreeing to the circumstances, and then thinking outside of the box is far more rewarding than creating argument.
Or "No, actually..."
This changes the whole foundation of your reality, and presents a large obstacle for where things are going, and also brings negative energy to the environment--even accidentally.
Or "Yes, fine..."
Being passive aggressive in a scene, or in life, doesn't really get anyone anywhere. It just takes awhile to sift through the subtext, even if it's the easier option.
Food is usually on your mind.
Food will come up in a scene 70% of the time because you're usually thinking about food.
Everything becomes sexual.
Just like in life.
Things get really, really, really weird before they get better.
Don't try to be funny, just be honest.
Honesty is the best policy. It's much funnier hearing the real feelings about your ex, instead of a labored impression of Leo DiCaprio you think will kill.
You're still gonna try to be funny.
We're all desperate for attention, so who are we really kidding?
You're going to fail a lot before you find success.
So enjoy how terribly you're doing. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Play!
You work all day, so just give yourself a second to play.
Most importantly:
Raise each other up.
Make your partner look good. Support your friends' weird ideas. We've all had hard times, and been through more than we let on, so the best thing to do is make it a little easier for the person next to you. Ask them less questions and give them more solutions. Make their choices the most exciting thing about your day. Live a little.
