My provocative title to this post has kickstarted the discussion I was hoping to start (though, perhaps, in a more heated manner than I intended). I actually agree that Jean and Ian are, in essence, saying the same thing. I posted their comments because, like so many improv notes, they seem to contradict each other (e.g. “React truthfully!” and “Don’t be coy!”). But I think most improvisers would agree with both statements - the “rules” that make improv work are sadly rare in many aspects of life, and those rules help us reflect life on stage.
On the other hand, I’d argue that many of the things that make us successful adults DO help us to be better improvisers (e.g. listening, having a point of view, taking action…). And I’d also argue that improv rules are not, necessarily, life rules (e.g. don’t ask questions, focus on the unusual thing (I know that last rule is debatable. Please save it for another discussion)).
I think one of the aspects of improv that most defines it as an artform is this intersection of “real life” and what we choose to do on stage. We can endlessly dissect and debate the choices that arise at that intersection. But I think we’d all agree it’s when we ignore that intersection that the whole thing begins to fall apart.
Honestly, I don’t have a larger point in posting these two quotes. I just found it interesting that they seemed so diametrically opposed at first blush. And since the Del Close Marathon is only one week away, it seemed like a good time to start a nerdy improv discussion. Keep it going!
