Improv Acting: Just Say "Yes, And..."

By Dianna Williams on February 8, 2013

I love improv acting, and I’m excited that The Second City is coming to Columbus’s historic Lincoln Theatre this weekend. The improv and sketch-comedy group was created in Chicago in 1959, and it has expanded to theatres in Toronto and Los Angeles. This theatre group started the careers of notable comedians, such as Mike Myers, Chris Farley, James Belushi, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey.

Most people think improv acting needs to be funny like Drew Carey and the cast of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” But improv acting is more about going with your gut instinct and just saying “yes.”

Yes, And…

Improv acting is based on the “Yes, and…” concept. It’s about accepting what is presented and going with it. If one person begins a scene by saying, “I hear you’re majoring in English.” The scene partner must continue with “Yes, and…” even if he or she is not an English major.

It sounds easy. Yet, the idea of saying yes without thinking through the possible outcomes scares people to their core. Most people are simply scared of being wrong.

Learning Improv

I’ve participated in a few improv acting classes and workshops. The other people in the class were there because they were shy or scared of public speaking. Each shy or scared person was accompanied by a more gregarious friend, so the dynamic of the group was fun and interesting.

The shy people were clearly nervous when creating initial scenes. But, as the class progressed, they became more and more comfortable with being put on the spot. It gave everyone a chance to break out of their shells and be silly. The honesty and spontaneity led to hilarity. One person described it as playtime for adults. It was!

Life Lessons

Tina Fey recently wrote an article for The Huffington Post regarding her experience with improv acting. For her, the “Yes, and… ” concept wasn’t just for the stage. It became her way of life.

In the article, Fey says :

“The things I learned in [the improv acting] class became part of the way I live my life. A couple of times I’ve been called on to do things — jobs or whatever — where I’ve felt, Maybe I’m not quite ready. Maybe it’s a little early for this to happen to me. But the rules are so ingrained. ‘Say yes, and you’ll figure it out afterward’ has helped me to be more adventurous. It has definitely helped me be less afraid.” Fey, Tina. Tina Fey: ’30 Rock’ Star’s Success Secret: ‘Say Yes’. The Huffington Post. 2013.

Learning this lesson is important for everyone, especially college students. Sure, we may be afraid of what’s around the corner, but we may never find out if we don’t say “yes.” The simple word can be terrifying, but it may lead to great opportunities.

Improv in Columbus

If you’re interested in seeing improv acting in action, The Second City will be performing at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, February 9, and Saturday, February 10, at 8:00PM. You can also check out the group at www.secondcity.com.

Also, Ohio State is home of the 8th Floor Improv Comedy Group. The cast is made up of students from a variety of different majors. They perform at the US Bank Conference Theatre in the Ohio Union. Like them on Facebook in order to find out about their next events.

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