"Yes, and" - This improvisational principle encourages acceptance and creativity in storytelling.
The quote by Del Close emphasizes a creative mindset essential for effective improvisation in storytelling. "Yes, and" signifies an agreement to build upon the given idea rather than rejecting or negating it ("no" or "but"). This approach fosters collaboration, encourages open-mindedness, and fuels creativity by allowing ideas to grow organically. Essentially, it's a way of saying, "Let's accept each other's contributions and together, we can create something unique and unexpected."
"You are practicing for something that doesn't exist yet." - A reminder to be prepared for the unexpected in life and improv.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and ready for unforeseen circumstances, a key principle in improvisation but also applicable to life as a whole. Del Close suggests that we should constantly hone our skills and mindset not just for specific known situations, but also for those that are yet to arise – the unexpected events that will inevitably come our way. It's a call to be ever-ready, open-minded, and resilient in the face of life's twists and turns.
"The scene is not about what you bring into it, it's about what you take out of it." - Emphasizing the importance of listening and reacting in improvisation.
This quote highlights that success in improvisation lies not in personal contributions but in the ability to actively listen, understand, and respond effectively to the scene's developments. In other words, it encourages performers to focus on observing, absorbing, and contributing to the collective experience of the performance, rather than solely relying on their individual ideas or skills. This principle fosters collaboration, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the audience, making the improvisation more engaging and enjoyable for all involved.
"To live any other way is to deny one's own glory." - A message about embracing individuality and personal greatness.
Del Close's quote, "To live any other way is to deny one's own glory," conveys the importance of embracing personal greatness by living authentically. It encourages individuals to recognize their inherent worth and uniqueness, and to express this in their daily lives without fear or self-doubt. By denying one's individuality, we limit our potential for growth, happiness, and fulfillment. Living according to our own values and aspirations allows us to tap into our unique talents, strengths, and passions, ultimately enabling us to shine brighter and contribute more meaningfully to the world.
"If you're not on stage, you're in the audience." - Encouraging active participation in life, both on and off the improv stage.
This quote emphasizes that one should not merely observe or spectate their own lives but actively engage and participate. Del Close encourages us to apply the improvisational spirit off-stage as well, suggesting that every moment of life is an opportunity for exploration, growth, and creativity. Whether on the improv stage or in real life, being an active participant enriches our experiences and helps us learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully.
The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.
- Del Close
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