How to Use “Yes, And” Improv in Everyday Life
In acting improvisation, there is a term called “yes, and.” Improv scenes have key rules actors must follow, and the main point is to keep the scene going.
The common rules are: don’t say no, don’t ask a question, and don’t leave scene partners hanging.
The goal is to create a spirit of radical collaboration, active listening, and rapid problem-solving both on stage and in everyday communication.
I use this in my life when I feel drawn to something that interests me. Many times, I focused on negative thoughts and “talked” myself out of trying something new.
My brain, like most others, usually resists change because its job is to protect us. But the brain is also extremely malleable, and with practice, I’ve trained my brain to get used to many things that were once uncomfortable and outright terrifying.
I love dancing, and I also love acting. When I had my first shoulder surgery and couldn’t dance, the old thoughts of my theatre days started resurfacing.
An acting industry in Florida seemed far-fetched. But of course it would. Why would I think those things were happening in Florida if I never gave it any thought?
Here’s the thing: once I have a feeling, I can’t think my way out of it as easily as I used to. I’ve been “yes-and-ing” for a long time, and it feels pretty good to improvise with my scene partner called Life.
My acting training started in NYC many years ago, and it was theatre-based, which I loved. Performing for an audience has always fed my soul and given me such pleasure.
Theatre is unforgiving, yet extremely rewarding, because there is no room for mistakes. Actors “yes, and” all the time. We forget lines or physical places on stage, and guess what? We “yes, and” it, and the audience never knows.
The theatre always felt like home to me, and I never wanted to leave.
When I researched acting training in Florida, I thought about going back into theatre because my brain accepted it as comfortable. Instead, I found an acting studio focused on film and television.
My spirit felt a bit charged, while my brain was screaming for mercy.
“Don’t you dare try film and television acting! It may work out, and next thing you know, you’ll be doing what you love but for television audiences!”
Wow, my thoughts deserve an Oscar award in the category of “bulls#*t!”
Acting is acting, and performing is performing, no matter what the medium.
Margarette Allyn and Vivian Fleming Alvarez, owner of VFA Acting and Performace Studio
So, I said “yes, and” to the question of whether I should go for it, and joined Vivian Fleming Alvarez acting studio in January 2025. Since then, I’ve not only gained another family in the arts, but we also show up for each other inside and outside the studio.
My acting coach, Vivian, started her studio after she wanted to act at 45! She built a solid career in the Southeast market, then moved to LA and expanded it. During COVID, she moved back to her hometown of Tampa and opened her heart and studio to actors near and far.
When I yearn to learn something new, the universe won’t send people who are good at what they do. I get passionate masters who genuinely care and love me as they guide me along the way.
One of the best yes-ands I have ever jumped into.
I have met one of the most well-known and respected casting directors in Miami Beach, Florida: Lori Wyman, CSA. And yes, Florida was considered the East Coast Hollywood!
Lori Wyman’s career included casting the original Miami Vice, Bloodline, 21 Jump Street, and many other shows filmed in Florida.
I am also proudly represented by one of Florida’s top agents, Traci Danielle with Brevard Talent Group. Traci Danielle built her agency with amazing talent for over 30 years; she truly loves her actors to the moon and back.
Being part of indie films, working on commercials, and continuing to meet these amazing artists remind me of the work people do for love when no one is watching.
After the NYPD, I knew I would eventually end up on some kind of stage again, yet I didn’t know how or when.
Why do I choose some of the most challenging roads to pursue in life? I have no idea. But my spirit is stronger than my thoughts. My spirit is all about “yes, and,” while my thoughts usually try to close the curtain or shut off the TV.
I’m giving you a “yes, and” assignment. I do it with almost everything.
Say hello to someone when you are out and about.
Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Buy a flashy piece of clothing and strut it anywhere, even if it’s on the runway in your bathroom hall!
“Yes, and” without knowing where the scene is going. I guarantee you it will be a sweet treat.
Moving to Florida was not in my long-term plans. However, life happens whether I have plans or not. Instead of resisting the script, I can “yes, and” it and help write it as I go along.
Cheers to your “yes, and,” cheers to your script, and cheers to whatever you try next.
I’ll be in the audience or backstage to give you a hug when the curtain closes, or the director yells, “That’s a wrap!”
I have a feeling that you will keep the scene going for a long time! I’m counting on you! I won’t leave you hangin’, I promise!
If you haven’t read my book yet, you can find it here! “Yes, and” it, and you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for spending time with me. Send this to anyone who needs a pick-me-up.
