Yes and…
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- Tagged: improv, improvisation, listening, yes and
In improvisational comedy, the phrase “Yes and…” is foundational. It is the mechanism that allows improv to become magical (and funny) as you watch it. Without props, or costumes and with actors who (most likely) are nothing like the characters they are playing, a well performed improv scene can make you laugh, or cry or keep you in suspense. It’s magical but not magic. It’s not random. Since improvisation is created before the audience spontaneously, it can seem like anything goes. Anything however does not go. There are guidelines to what will tend to go and what almost always makes improvisation stop. These are not rules. It’s like sunscreen you don’t have to wear it, but if you don’t you can get burned. The first and foremost (SPF50) guideline is Yes and… . Improvers are taught to meet surprise with Yes and… . Bam! Something happens and the reaction for good improv to happen is to meet it with Yes and… . Most of the time that means literally saying “Yes and…” before you have the slightest idea of what words will follow those three dots (the fancy name for those dots is an ellipsis) Those three dots are a springboard into spontaneity. Yes, and…I will use my high-tech laser to measure your feet. Yes, and the hardware store will sell us bolt cutters. Yes and…let’s grab your sweater before we leave; it’s cold outside. Yes and… confirms and moves the story forward. Yes and… has three parts. Yes – Being a human you need confirmation. People say these phrases all the time: “Know what I’m saying? If you will? Right?” They interrupt whatever they are telling you to seek out your confirmation. Saying, Yes! transforms whatever the surprise was into a stepping stone and not an obstacle. Yes! The house is on fire. Yes! I have given my dog power of attorney. Yes! All roads do lead to Rome. Yes! Tells everyone that what they understand about the present moment is true. and – Moves the story forward. And I’ve called the fire department. And my dog is representing me in court. And we have made it to Rome. And builds on whatever the surprise was and absorbs it into the story. The energy of the unexpected becomes what draws the audience in. Finally the “…”The three dots or ellipsis is your diving board into spontaneity. That is where you fill in the blank. The peculiar thing about it is that when you hear your own voice say, “Yes and…” to something surprising you don’t have to struggle to fill in that blank. Your experience in life is enough that something will pop in there just as you need it. Improvisation is kind of magical that way. When you fully commit to the present moment, exactly what you need will present itself. It’s an “ah ha” experience where creativity isn’t the result of a sequence of steps but where ideas pop into existence before you. Improvisation guidelines are…
