‘Yes, and…’
The Power of Improv in Everyday Life
Timothy Mcleod

Decades ago, a friend ‘dared’ me to audition for a playback theatre troupe. That night I was mixed among others juggling scarves, playing instruments, moving our bodies in peculiar ways, or making all manner of strange sounds and vocalizations; above all, creating–and doing so in a collaborative way. I realized this ‘weird’ group of people felt kindred, and that they were practicing something very special.

Playback and other related artforms require an actor’s full attention. In our expression on stage, we must stay in the ‘here and now’, working together with those around us. For scene work this means we ‘‘accept’ an offer made from a fellow troupe member (a gesture they’ve made or a declarative statement). This collaboration is known as, “yes, and.” We find the spirit of this in any good improvisation.

What is remarkable is that this simple, powerful phrase can be applied to our relational lives and for emotional well-being. “Yes, and…” is really about flexible thinking, and it fosters connection rather than separation. For example, in a moment of conflict with someone we care about, we might honor that there are multiple truths at play. There is one person’s valid perspective (Yes), and there also exists another person’s experience (And) which can be witnessed and tended to. Yes, and–the core idea here is not complicated, though we must access this with sincerity and generosity.

We encounter circumstances all throughout our day which evoke more than one emotion, “yes I’m feeling this, and I’m also feeling this.” Flexible thinking helps us move out of the confines of the ‘either this or that’ binary trap. Life is complex, and there are usually many ‘right’ options, or sometimes there are ‘ok’ choices available to us and all of them are slightly imperfect. We allow ourselves more self-compassion and bestow others with more grace with this tenant of improv at play.

Perhaps most powerful of all is when we use “yes, and” to take committed action. Consider this real-life scene, “yes I’m feeling scared about something, and I know this is right so I’m going to do it anyway.” See how this works? Here’s another one, “this family/friendship/professional situation is really uncomfortable, and; the ethical choice which aligns with my integrity requires that I take this action…”

Now it’s your turn. What is something (a boundary, a conversation, needed time for self-care, etc.,) which feels hard or you’d like to avoid but you know is valuable to explore? Got it? Ok, start with acknowledging a related core feeling. This is the ‘yes’ part. Now, build your action from this feeling even though there is discomfort or challenge involved. This is the ‘and’ part. Got both? Great, now you are playing on the very stage which is the most important of all.
Bravo! Yes, and…

If you’ve found this valuable please feel free to pass it on!
I welcome your thoughts, reactions, musings, and counseling related questions.
With warmth, and as my loving grandfather used to say–hold fast!