Simple explanation of improv and why it will make you a better person.

Improv is making things up. Daydreaming together.

There are two forms of improv: short and long.

Short form improv is basically adults playing fun games. Example of short form improv would be “Whose Line is It Anyway”, “Drew Carey’s Green Screen”.

Long form improv is closer to theater and daydreaming — it’s adults playing house. Example of long form improv would be “Middleditch and Schwartz”.

Basic improv rules:

1. Be respectful towards your teammates
2. Be truthful
3. Have fun
4. Yes, and.

Some benefits of doing improv in no particular order:

1. You learn to feel safe and accepted. There are no wrong answers. “Yes, and” means that we, as a group, say yes to your idea, however silly and absurd.
2. You stop trying to guess what somebody else wants to hear. When you feel accepted you don’t need to censor yourself: you can simply be truthful.
3. You get used to let go of the expectations. Improv is unpredictable.
4. You learn to roll with the punches. Since in improv you always have to agree with something you don’t know your partner is going to say, you get in the habit of adequately reacting to surprises in real life.
5. You become a better listener.
6. You learn to trust yourself more.
7. You get quicker on your feet.
8. Being playful becomes a habit.
9. You get more creative.
10. Making friends becomes easier.
11. Less stress, more happy