Don’t be scared — Be Curious. 3 reasons why improv is not actually scary!
If you know someone who is scared of improv, you are not alone.
One main reason many people feel scared of improv is because they aren’t exactly sure what it is and how it works. They assume they need to be witty like a comedian or an extraverted performer to participate. But improv is a unique art form with its own rules and structures, and they don’t require you to bring anything but yourself to the stage.
To make improv simple and accessible, my approach has always been to focus on just one rule, “Yes, And…” Why? Because it makes improv fast and easy to learn…not scary.
Boo!
Just kidding. Seriously, in my recently published research, we see that improv increases the functional connectivity of the brain, helping someone achieve a state where they are better able to engage cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally and physically. And that’s because “Yes, And…” — this “one rule” of improv, that encourages exploration and respect — makes improv feel safe, not scary. “Yes, And…” provides security, allowing our brain to shift from a state of fear to a state of confidence, creativity, and flow.
Let’s break it down briefly
- “Yes, And…” creates an environment of safety, security and support between players. In each interaction, every player is unconditionally accepting and validating the other. When they add their own offer, they are demonstrating how much they value the other. Each and every player in turn begins to feel safe and valued.
- The “And…” part of the rule is very important. It creates just enough uncertainty to help people pay attention — it helps our brains understand and process what is happening around us. We’re encouraged to stay present, listen, and be curious. Yes, curious…not scared of what is about to come next, but curious. As long as you listen and understand the offer, you only have to accept and add to it. That is it! Improv is about being curious and then exploring an idea, in the framework of a short and structured game, which often erupts in supportive laughter.
- Also, “Yes, And…” creates the reciprocal practice of unconditional acceptance. There is no judgement in improv. Rather, all players can simply take a moment to listen, understand, and then accept someone’s idea, then embrace the moment to be curious and explore that idea by adding to it.
And the audience is not judgmental either, as they are actively engaged in each game! In my approach, and in the approach of most improv instructors, creating a reciprocal practice of gratitude is prioritized. The audience and the players each thank each other for their efforts, instead of the pattern common to other types of performance, where the audience might judge the players based on whether they were sufficiently entertained.
Be Curious with “Yes, and…”
Improv is not scary. Let’s practice being present, listening and understanding, and being curious. Then, let’s unconditionally accept, and take a moment to explore through the creation of a new idea, adding our own to the ideas presented before us. Being able to be curious will help us navigate the uncertainty of these times and adjust. Let’s ”Yes, And…”!
If you would like to learn a fast and easy approach to learn, teach and apply improv check out this link to One Rule Improv’s online training.
