The Power of Yes And... | Chris Martin | TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Improv, rooted in "Yes, and," builds trust and community through collaboration, pioneered by Viola Spolin, impacting individuals and societies positively.

Key Insights

• 👾 Viola Spolin's improv games revolutionized theater by focusing on trust, collaboration, and adaptability, impacting individuals and communities positively.
• 😃 The "Yes, and" principle in improv teaches resilience, flexibility, and acceptance, essential for navigating disruptions and fostering community collaboration.
• 🥺 Applying the principles of improv in daily life, including education, parenting, and workplace interactions, can lead to improved relationships and problem-solving skills.

Transcript

foreign [Applause] as a theater teacher I teach improv to middle schoolers I study it myself and also take workshops and classes in on my downtime by show of hands who has heard of Improv wow who has seen improv shows like whose lives anyway great so many of you are familiar with actors up on stage making up comedic scenes on the spot with no scrip... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is Viola Spolin, and what was her contribution to improv?

Viola Spolin, a social worker and improv pioneer, used games to build trust and collaboration, revolutionizing the improv landscape by introducing the "Yes, and" principle.

Q: How does "Yes, and" contribute to building trust and community in improv?

"Yes, and" fosters collaboration, acceptance, and the ability to adapt to change, creating a supportive environment where individuals work together to achieve common goals.

Q: Can the principles of improv be applied outside of theater?

Yes, the principles of improv, such as resilience, flexibility, and collaboration, can be utilized in various settings like education, parenting, and workplace interactions to enhance relationships and problem-solving.

Q: How does the speaker personally apply "Yes, and" in their life and teaching career?

The speaker shares how they incorporate "Yes, and" in teaching improv to students, handling disruptions in the classroom, and navigating unexpected challenges, emphasizing the power of flexibility and acceptance.

Summary

This video explores the foundational principle of improv, "yes and," and its application beyond comedy scenes on stage. It highlights the origins of improv by Viola Spolin and how she used it to help build trust and collaboration in immigrant families. The video also discusses the importance of play for healthy child development and learning, drawing parallels between play and improvisation. It shares personal experiences of the speaker, demonstrating how the power of "yes and" has positively impacted their life. Ultimately, the video emphasizes the wide-ranging benefits of embracing the principles of improv in various aspects of life.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the foundational principle of improv?

The foundational principle of improv is "yes and." It involves taking an idea or suggestion and agreeing with it, then building upon it to create a scene or situation. This principle is not limited to theater and can be applied to various contexts outside of the stage.

Q: Who is Viola Spolin and how did she contribute to the development of improv?

Viola Spolin is widely regarded as the woman who single-handedly invented Improv. She initially used theater training games to incorporate play with immigrant families at Whole House, where she worked as a trauma supervisor and social worker. She understood the value of play in building trust and collaboration, and her games formed the basis of modern improv techniques.

Q: How did Viola Spolin's work disrupt the traditional approach to theater?

Viola Spolin's work in improv was a major disruption in the theater industry. It introduced new ways of training actors, building ensembles, and writing scripts. Her approach was flexible and adaptable, designed to cater to a broader audience and not just the elite theater-going crowd. She prioritized addressing pressing and current issues through her work.

Q: What do studies say about the importance of play for child development?

The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the need and importance of play for promoting healthy child development, especially for children living in poverty. The Lego Foundation differentiates between shallow learning (memorizing facts) and deep learning (engaging in concepts and real-life contexts). They emphasize that play, which allows children to experience agency and be supported rather than directed, is crucial for effective learning.

Q: What role did Viola Spolin's son, Paul Sills, play in the development of improv?

Viola Spolin's son, Paul Sills, played a significant role in the development of improv. Growing up during the Great Depression, he closely observed the games that Viola played with her friends at home. Paul, along with David Shepard, later founded the Playwrights Theater Club and established the Compass Theater, which became the first true improvisational theater in the U.S. Viola was brought in to connect the players to her games and techniques.

Q: Which theater company is still thriving today and is home to many famous comedians and actors?

Second City, originally established as the Compass Theater, is still thriving today and is home to some of the best comedians and actors of all time. Past and present alumni include names like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Steve Carell, and Dan Aykroyd.

Q: How has the power of "yes and" influenced the speaker's own life?

The speaker shares a personal story about being adopted and how their mother embraced a "yes and" attitude towards raising them. Their mother unconditionally accepted them and supported them through various challenges, including fitting in and financial constraints. This experience instilled a "yes and" mindset in the speaker and influenced their teaching career, their ability to adapt to disruptions, and their overall outlook on life.

Q: How does the speaker incorporate "yes and" in their teaching career?

As a theater teacher, the speaker uses "yes and" in their improv classes to build trust, collaboration, and community among their students. They introduce a variety of games, such as Freeze, to encourage creativity and improvisation on stage. The speaker also applies the "yes and" principle when teaching and meeting students' individual needs, particularly in moments of disruption or when students veer off from instructions. They share examples of using long-form improv to teach playwriting and adapting to unexpected situations during performances.

Q: How can the principles of improv be applied outside of the theater?

The principles of improv, particularly "yes and," can be applied in various aspects of life beyond the theater. The video suggests that these principles can make us better teachers, parents, co-workers, and community builders. Embracing a "yes and" mindset helps develop flexibility, adaptability, and a can-do attitude. It encourages us to accept any given situation and find ways to move forward, even in challenging circumstances. "Yes and" fosters collaboration, creativity, and resilience in everyday life.

Takeaways

The power of "yes and" extends beyond comedic scenes on stage. Embracing a "yes and" mindset can build trust, foster collaboration, and support healthy child development. The principles of improv teach flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to seize opportunities. Applying "yes and" in various aspects of life cultivates a can-do attitude, enhances relationships, and helps navigate unexpected disruptions. "Yes and" is a fundamental resource for learning, problem-solving, and building strong communities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Viola Spolin revolutionized improv, using games to build trust and collaboration, addressing pressing issues while catering to the masses.

• Improv, based on "Yes, and," teaches resilience, flexibility, and adaptability, essential for navigating disruptions and fostering community.

• Through sharing personal stories, the speaker highlights how applying "Yes, and" can positively impact individuals, relationships, and communities.