Embracing the Unknown with Improv
The word “improv” conjures up images of zany comedians on shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” But for me, improv became a profound journey of self-discovery – one that unlocked my creativity, confidence, and connection with others in ways I never could have imagined.
It all started when a shy friend of mine shared that he had taken an improv class. As he described his experience, his energy and enthusiasm were palpable. I was intrigued. Here was this reserved person who had blossomed into a more alive, confident version of himself. I had to know more.
So I signed up for a five-day improv intensive, filled with equal parts excitement and terror. That first day, I was a bundle of nerves, using the bathroom constantly and nearly walking out before we even began. But I gathered my courage and stayed. And within the first hour, I was hooked.
The exercises we dove into were simple on the surface, but they quickly broke down barriers and allowed us to open up, relate to each other, and form meaningful bonds. What had once felt so daunting suddenly became an exhilarating adventure, as we learned the foundational principles of improv together.
The Power of “Yes, And”
At the heart of improv are a few key principles that not only guide the art form but can be applied to so many aspects of life. The first and most fundamental is the idea of “yes, and.”
In improv, when your scene partner offers up an idea, your job is to accept it (“yes”) and then build upon it (“and”). This creates a collaborative flow where each person contributes to the overall story, rather than shutting down or redirecting the conversation.
As Robert Poynton explains in his book “Everything’s an Offer,” the “yes, and” mindset is about embracing the unknown and rolling with whatever life throws your way. It’s about being present, responsive, and focused on moving the interaction forward in a positive direction.
In our improv workshop, this principle came to life in ways that were at once playful and profound. As we navigated various improvised scenes and exercises, we learned to let go of our preconceptions, trust our instincts, and collaborate in the moment. It was exhilarating, liberating, and a powerful reminder that when we approach life with a “yes, and” attitude, the possibilities are endless.
Improv as a Relational Practice
But the lessons of improv went far beyond just the individual. As Jane Dutton, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, points out, the quality of our connections and relationships is what truly drives organizational success.
In our improv workshop, the initial exercises focused on building those vital connections. Through playful, imaginative interactions, we quickly formed bonds that elevated our learning and supported one another throughout the intense experience. By the end, a real sense of community had emerged – one that I’ve found mirrored in the organizations and teams I’ve worked with that prioritize relational practices.
You see, life in organizations is often laser-focused on tasks and outputs, with little attention paid to the relational side of things. But the companies and teams that invest equally in building trust, empathy, and high-quality connections are the ones that truly thrive. It’s like having a financial reserve to draw from during tough times – a “relational reserve” of goodwill and support that sustains you when the going gets tough.
Improv is a unique way to cultivate these vital connections. By inviting people to play, take risks, and collaborate in the moment, it breaks down barriers and fosters a level of engagement and belonging that can be transformative. And as I’ve seen time and time again, when you create that kind of relational foundation, the possibilities for individual and organizational growth are truly boundless.
Improv in the Workplace
As an organization leader and practitioner, I’ve seen the power of improv play out in real-world settings. One of my favorite examples is the work I do with the University of Michigan’s Center for Positive Organizations at the Ross School of Business.
Each year, I have the privilege of teaching improv to a class of undergraduate and graduate business students as part of a six-week intensive called “Magnify.” My session comes at the beginning, and I see it as a crucial opportunity to use improv to build connection and relationships within the group.
Over the course of three hours, we move playfully and skillfully from mere acquaintances to a tight-knit community. One student described the experience as “excitement of play in its natural form, but pushed us to utilize deeper team skills” – things like communication, quick thinking, and the ability to work together seamlessly, all disguised in a fun, engaging package.
By the end of the session, the energy in the room has transformed. What was once reserved and hesitant is now open, joyful, and alive. A real team and community has been formed, with a significant “relational reserve” that sustains the group through the intense demands of the following six weeks.
It’s a powerful reminder that improv isn’t just about comedy or performance; it’s a tool for cultivating the connections and relationships that are the foundation of positive workplace culture. And from that foundation, so much more becomes possible.
Embracing the Unknown in Musical Theater
So, what does all of this have to do with musical theater? Well, the world of performance is inherently full of uncertainty and surprise. No matter how meticulously a show is planned and rehearsed, there will always be curveballs, unexpected moments, and the need to adapt in real-time.
And that’s where the principles of improv can be a game-changer. By embracing the “yes, and” mindset, performers can learn to trust their instincts, respond with flexibility and openness, and elevate the overall experience – both for themselves and the audience.
Imagine a scene where the lead actor forgets a line or a piece of the set malfunctions. In a traditional approach, the performer might panic, try to cover up the mistake, or even stop the show altogether. But with an improv-inspired mindset, they could seamlessly incorporate the unexpected, perhaps even turning it into a moment of magic and delight.
Or think about the collaborative nature of musical theater – the directors, choreographers, designers, and ensemble members who come together to bring a production to life. At a place like the Musical Theater Center, improv could be woven into the training and creative process, helping to build the trust, communication, and “relational reserve” that allows for true innovation and artistic expression.
Improv isn’t just about comedy or quick-witted one-liners. It’s a mindset, a skillset, and a way of being that can transform not just individual performers, but entire creative communities. By embracing the unknown, cultivating connections, and approaching each moment with a spirit of openness and collaboration, we unlock new realms of possibility in the world of musical theater.
So, the next time you see a show and witness a performer effortlessly recover from a flubbed line or incorporate an unexpected moment, know that they’re drawing on the power of improv. They’re letting go of control, trusting their instincts, and unleashing the magic that can happen when we embrace the unknown.
And who knows – maybe one day, that could be you, standing in the spotlight, ready to improvise your way to greatness. The world of musical theater is waiting, with all its surprises and delights. All you have to do is say “yes, and” and see where the journey takes you.
