By: Liv Meriano
At first glance, Improvisation (improv) looks like a bunch of silly, outgoing individuals who make jokes effortlessly.
It wasn’t until I joined Brock University Improv Club, where I met Alana Perri. I began to see there’s so much more that lies beyond the surface of just ‘making people laugh’ -so, so much more. For those new to the concept, improv is acting without a script. Everything you see and do is made up on the spot, usually inspired by a suggestion. While it’s undeniably fun and often hilarious, improv has been and always will be a powerful practice for building resilience, on stage and in life.
Adaptability, Quick Thinking, and Problem-Solving
Life rarely gives us a script. Things change suddenly, and we’re asked to adapt on the spot. Improv teaches exactly that. Not only teaching us that but gets us comfortable with change. On stage, you might be handed a scenario where you’re a detective interrogating a giraffe -or a chef whose kitchen has suddenly exploded with marshmallows. There’s no time to overthink; you respond, adapt, and create in real time. Off stage, this translates into quick thinking, problem-solving, and learning how to stay calm and flexible when life throws the unexpected our way.
The Power of “Yes, And…”
One of the golden rules of improv is the phrase to say, “yes, and…” -this doesn’t mean agreeing with everything—it means accepting what’s given to you and building on it. If your scene partner says, “careful, the floor is lava,” and you respond, “no, it’s not,” the scene dies. But if you say, “yes -and I brought marshmallows to roast,” the scene grows into something magical. In life, too, playing one big game of “yes, and” opens doors. It encourages us to embrace opportunities, lean into possibilities, and collaborate in ways that lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The Power of Belonging
When you’re on stage and every idea is met with “yes, and…” it’s more than just a rule of improv -it’s a powerful act of acceptance. To be on the receiving end of that meant that my voice mattered, my contribution counts, and who I was, was enough. Not only enough, but celebrated! Traits I was often criticized for in everyday life like quick wit, spontaneity, impulsivity -suddenly become celebrated. Improv found me during one of the loneliest times in my life, and it gave me something I didn’t know I was missing; belonging. I had finally found my people. For a disabled child who’s been told they are “too much” and “not enough”, this kind of acceptance was not only life-changing, it was life-saving.
No Mistakes, Only Funnies
In improv, there are no mistakes—only funny discoveries. What looks like a slip-up often becomes the funniest, most memorable part of the scene. Together we learn to justify and laugh at our mistakes. This mindset fosters courage and risk-taking. It’s allowed me to approach everyday challenges the same way—seeing mistakes as funny stepping stones, not failures. Being able to laugh at ourselves is one of the greatest gifts!
From Stage to Everyday Life
Participants and their families often share with us how improv has impacted them beyond the studio. These are the same skills we all need to navigate life’s unpredictability with confidence.
- At school and work: Being able to think on their feet during presentations or team discussions.
- In relationships: Listening more deeply, accepting different ideas and responding with empathy.
- In personal growth: Taking risks they might have avoided before, whether that’s applying for a new job, joining a club, or trying something new.
Why Try Improv?
Improv-based workshops aren’t just for actors or comedians. They’re for anyone who wants to build resilience, grow confidence, and discover joy in spontaneity. They create safe, supportive spaces to experiment, laugh, and learn—while practicing life skills beyond the studio. At its heart, improv reminds us that we can adapt, we can create solutions, and we can support one another. With a little playfulness and a willingness to say “yes, and…” resilience grows naturally.
✨ Ready to give improv a try?
Join us for our upcoming workshops and experience firsthand how fun, laughter, and a little bit of silliness can build resilience that lasts a lifetime.
