Talk:Yes, and ...

no, but

it might do good to include a part that talks about other, very similar rules in improv, like "No, but" where you disagree but add on to the concept presented in an interesting way that continues the scene (ex. "Do you see a bench in front of you?", "No, but I see a ball"). It follows a very similar principal to "yes, and", and it might improve this article somewhat. Astrozei (talk) 03:22, 11 July 2023 (UTC)

Proposed addition: Applications and perspectives section

Hi, I’d like to propose adding a sourced section on applications of “Yes, And” beyond improvisational theatre. Draft below:

Applications and perspectives

The “Yes, And” principle has been applied beyond improvisational theatre in areas such as business, education, and leadership development. In these contexts, it is often described as a communication approach that emphasizes active listening, acknowledgment of others’ contributions, and building on ideas in real time.

Research on applied improvisation and related training methods suggests that such practices can support interpersonal communication skills, including empathy, collaboration, and adaptability in group settings.

The principle has also been described as a broader mindset or interpersonal stance, in which individuals focus on presence, awareness, and responsiveness during conversations, rather than relying solely on scripted or pre-planned responses.

Happy to adjust based on feedback. TracySP (talk) 19:56, 21 April 2026 (UTC)

Mostly incorrect

This article is vague on "Yes, and…" being the improvisor's metapragmatic role and not the character's POV/wants. It's vaguely referenced but by no means makes this clear and certainly not to non-improvisors. Yes, and… is actually a buzz phrase and not typically used for training improvisors outside of where it was originally incorrectly popularised after Del Close's death. The word "agreement" is more specific and direct. In fact if you read Truth In Comedy, it says Yes, and… is actually agreement to the nth degree before then adding more, so even the definitive text had to add a corollary. In Keith Johnstone's impro system, this is actually "offer and acceptance" in conjunction with "advance and extend", which due to his prioritising advance over extending, in his system is more "And, Yes…" than "Yes, and…".

The origin of Yes, And… is Chicago where Keith visited and introduced the "Yes, And" game where the characters literally say "Yes, And" before each line of character dialogue, which is definitely not what "Yes, and…" the buzz phrase is trying to say. When Del Close saw the game, he liked the title and reframed it as a buzz phrase which is now quoted ad infinitum. Yes, and… in improv? (if you're in Chicago and related cities, the improvisors just agree and stay with the current thing. if they're using Keith's impro then advance and extend using offer and accept) Yes, and… life? (sure, but not too much or you'll get injured or financially ruined) Yes, and… in business? (sure, but only where the financials aren't affected please, and no freedom to fail on work time please). This article should really be about the history of this phrase and its ongoing misuse. About the only practical use Yes, and… has had over the years is to popularise improv for people who have never tried improv - arguably a good thing.

And what Gary says as well. RichKBF (talk) 13:07, 26 August 2026 (UTC)