Eric Schmidt and Improv Theater
One of the rules of improv theater that I learned when I took classes at the Pan Theater in Oakland is learning to say “Yes, and…” in response to any suggestion from another actor who is a partner in a scene.
For a story to be built, the players have to agree to the basic situation and set-up. By saying yes, we accept the reality created by our partners and begin the collaborative process from the start of a scene. The collaborative process puts us in situations that we would normally avoid.
It was refreshing to read a quote from Google executive Eric Schmidt supporting the value of this approach, not just on the stage, but in terms of life in general:
“Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means that you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference. Yes lets you stand out in a crowd, be the optimist, see the glass full, be the one everyone comes to. Yes is what keeps us all young.”
Thanks to my fellow Ace of Hobos Improv Troupe member David Linder for sharing this gem.
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Yes, and is also a good way to go through life in general. It opens you up to limitless possibilities.
By julie on 08.30.13 10:22 am
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