(i'malwaystouchedbyyour) Presence Dear.

Over the past weeks, working with the various groups that I do, I have been so touched to see the power that improvised theatre has to bring people together. 

In the summer I was working with an amateur dramatic group on a production. This group had a history of working together and were friends. They were regular performers in their Am-Dram group. As the workshops went on, the group mentioned that they felt that their work was getting better because the improv games and techniques were bringing them closer together as actors. Not only that they believed that it was making them closer friends. The laughter, joy, creativity and, more importantly, support, was really helping them on a personal level.

I experienced a similar thing just last week at the end of a session with my Thursday group (please see the shoes...that's not the name of my group, but it is a damn good one, so I baggsy that one - thank you). This filled me with so much joy that I can not begin to describe. 

Improvised comedy can often be seen as a thrilling, high-wire act—a showcase of solo wit and on-the-spot genius. But behind every flawless, gut-busting scene is a fundamental truth: improv is a team sport. While individual brilliance certainly shines, it’s the collective energy, the support structure, and the shared understanding that truly makes the comedy magic happen and elevates a good scene to a great one.

In improv, there is no script, no director, and no safety net, only your fellow players. You're building worlds, characters, and hilarious scenarios on the fly, and that requires an immense, unwavering amount of trust. You must trust that your teammates will uphold the cardinal rule—to "yes, and" your wildest ideas, embracing them instead of negating them. You need to trust that they’ll have your back when you get stuck in a moment of blank-slate panic. Most importantly, you must trust that they’ll consistently elevate your contributions and make you look good, rather than trying to outshine you for a quick laugh.

A strong improv team acts as a single, dynamic, and synchronised comedic brain. Each member brings a unique perspective, a different comedic sensibility, and a distinct life experience, all of which combine to create a richer, more diverse, and more surprising tapestry of humour. If even one player checks out or focuses only on their own agenda, the entire scene begins to fracture and fall apart. The audience senses that disconnection immediately.

The heart of successful improv lies in active listening and radical commitment. When every player is truly listening to every word spoken, reacting authentically to the established reality, and committed to the goal of making their partners succeed, the scene transcends simple individual efforts. It becomes a unified, flowing conversation. This synergy is what allows for the unpredictable connections and escalating comedic spirals that define the best improvised performances.

I was so honoured to be asked to perform as part of The Book Group at this year's Robin Hood International Improv Festival. I took classes and saw the most awesome shows with some of the best improvisers from all over the world. Amazing! The vibe from the moment that I walked into the event was soooo cool. Happiness, welcoming, interested, sharing, joy and laughter infused everything that we did, and saw. I don't think that I have ever experienced anything like that before. It was such a welcome alternative to all that our country and world appears to be going through right now. A haven from hate.

Could improv be a panacea for the current state of the world with its factions, and groups, and polarised ideologies? In my opinion, yes! We improvisers are part of a movement for positive change. The nature of our work is to tackle the unforeseen issue. To look at solutions not problems. To bring people together and see the good in everyone we meet and know that they think the same about us. To trust in our fellow human. 

I believe that all the improv clubs, retreats, schools, festivals, jams, schools, coaches are so important to society and probably (I'm gonna stick my neck out here) humanity in general. I am on a mission in my small part of the world, (Go Derby!) to bring the joy of improv to as many people as I possibly can. I know how it makes me feel, and I hear how powerful it is to the the people that I have introduced it to.

I want to share that.