A few years ago, I found myself in a phase where life felt like it was running on autopilot. I was using work as an escape, diving headfirst into deadlines, pitches, and all things work. Anything to stay busy and distracted. Professionally, things were moving, but personally, I felt stuck.
In the middle of this haze, I stumbled upon improv while searching for theatre workshops. I had no idea what I was signing up for, but I’m glad I did because improv didn’t just happen to me; it shook things up in a way I never expected. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a fresh perspective, not just on creativity but on life itself.
So, what exactly is improv?
At its core, improv is performing without a script. You step onto a stage with nothing but your instincts, relying on your co-actors and audience suggestions to create a scene in real time. There are no retakes, no rewrites, just you, the moment, and your ability to build something meaningful from the unknown. It’s thrilling, terrifying, and incredibly liberating.
Improv, back then, felt like a rebellion.
As someone who is building a creative agency, where creativity is often tied to meticulous planning, briefs, and client approvals, it taught me to embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and, most importantly, listen. These skills are your non-negotiables once you are on the stage with nothing but an audience waiting for a story to unfold.
The Improv Rules That Became Life Lessons
Improv is built on a few simple principles, but they’re powerful enough to reshape the way you think and create. Here are a few that continue to guide me every day, both in work and life:
1. “Yes, and…”
In improv, the golden rule is to accept what your scene partner offers and build on it, never shutting an idea down but adding to it. This mindset has changed the way I approach creative brainstorming and everyday problem-solving. Saying “Yes, and…” opens doors to unexpected possibilities and richer ideas.
2. Make Your Partner Look Good
One of the first things you learn in improv is that your job isn’t to be the star. It’s to support your partner and build a great story together. The story is always the real hero. This shifted my perspective at work, too. Creativity flourishes when we lift each other up and focus on the bigger picture instead of individual brilliance.
3. Commit and Believe It
In improv, the moment you second-guess yourself, the audience knows. You have to commit fully to whatever choice you make and believe in it—even if it feels absurd. The same applies to creative work; the best ideas come to life when you believe in them wholeheartedly. Half-measures and hesitation often lead to forgettable ideas, while conviction breeds impact.
Improv taught me that creativity doesn’t just come from structured processes and deliberate thinking; sometimes, it comes from letting go, trusting your instincts, and embracing the unknown. Whether it’s writing a campaign, leading a team, or navigating life’s curveballs, the ability to adapt, listen, and collaborate makes all the difference.
Improv Beyond the Stage
Today, I find myself applying these improv lessons everywhere. Be it in a client meeting where things don’t go as planned, in the way I approach problem-solving, or in how I work with my team. Creativity isn’t just about ideas; it’s about responding to what’s in front of you, adapting quickly, and finding joy in the process, no matter how unpredictable it gets.
If you’ve ever found yourself feeling stuck or wanting to push your creative limits, I can’t recommend improv enough. It’s not just about being funny on stage, it’s about learning to trust, to build, and to keep moving forward, no matter what.
As I reflect on my improv journey, I realise creativity, much like life, is best lived unscripted.
