The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in
The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.
Hear the words of Del Close, master of the stage and father of modern improv, who proclaimed: “The world is a slightly better place for having improvisation in it than it was before. There's something about it that says something positive about the human spirit, that a bunch of people can get together and by following a few simple traffic rules can create art and can entertain an audience and can thrill and exalt each other.” Though spoken of theater, these words are far more than a commentary on performance. They are a hymn to the boundless possibility of the human spirit, a declaration that when people unite with trust and openness, beauty is born.
For improvisation is not chaos, but harmony arising from spontaneity. It is the art of creating without script, of weaving story from the unknown, of finding order within the unexpected. In this, it mirrors life itself. Each day we awaken without a script for what will come, yet through the “few simple traffic rules” of kindness, respect, and courage, we craft moments of wonder. Thus Del Close reveals that improv is not just art—it is a philosophy, a celebration of our capacity to adapt, to connect, and to lift one another toward joy.
Consider the tale of the Commedia dell’arte of Renaissance Italy. Traveling troupes, with little more than masks and wit, captivated entire cities with their unscripted plays. Though poor in wealth, they were rich in creativity. Their laughter and satire broke through the divisions of class, drawing noble and commoner alike into shared delight. In their unscripted genius, the human spirit was revealed—not bound by rigid order, but alive in the free exchange of ideas and emotions.
History offers yet another example: during the darkest days of World War II, soldiers in camps and villages improvised songs, plays, and jokes to keep hope alive. With scarce resources and no rehearsed scripts, they invented performances that lifted despair and reminded one another of their shared humanity. Such moments did not win battles of steel, but they fortified the soul, proving Del Close’s truth—that even in suffering, the act of spontaneous creation makes the world “a slightly better place.”
The meaning of his words is profound: improvisation is a testament to trust. It requires one to listen deeply, to build upon another’s words rather than tearing them down, to say, “Yes, and…” instead of “No.” These simple rules, born on the stage, are also laws of life. If followed, they allow communities to flourish, friendships to grow, and the human spirit to rise above division. In every improvisation, whether in art or in daily living, we see the miracle of people crafting meaning together from uncertainty.
The lesson for us is clear: embrace the unscripted nature of existence. Do not fear the unknown, for it is the very soil of creativity. Approach each moment with openness, ready to add your voice, your laughter, your courage, to the unfolding story of the world. Recognize that even without perfect plans, beauty can be born if hearts are willing to collaborate.
Practical wisdom calls us to act: practice the rules of improv in your life. Listen before you speak. Build upon the ideas of others rather than dismiss them. Say “yes” to opportunities that invite growth. And above all, remember that every shared moment of joy, every burst of laughter, every spark of creativity, is proof that the human spirit thrives when it dares to create together.
So let it be remembered: improvisation is more than entertainment—it is the mirror of our collective strength. It shows that even with no script, with only trust and presence, people can create something that thrills, uplifts, and exalts. Del Close’s words remind us that this art, born of spontaneity and shared faith, makes the world brighter. To live in this spirit is to honor the endless creativity within us all.
AIPhuong Anh Idol
This perspective elevates improv from mere entertainment to a celebration of human cooperation and spontaneity. I’m curious if Close believes improvisation inherently promotes positivity and connection, or if it depends on the mindset of the performers. How does he address moments of failure or miscommunication during improv—are those opportunities for deeper art and shared human experience? It also makes me wonder whether audiences unconsciously learn about collaboration and trust by watching skilled improvisers.
CNCanh Nguyen
Reading this, I’m struck by the idea that simple rules can produce profound art. I’d like to ask whether Close sees a connection between the structure of improv and the structure of human society. Could following basic social ‘traffic rules’ in daily life similarly lead to harmony, creativity, and shared joy? Also, how does he think improvisers balance freedom and structure to create experiences that thrill and inspire both themselves and their audience?
BTNguyet Bui Thi
It’s inspiring to hear improvisation framed as a reflection of the human spirit. I wonder if Close thinks that the value of improv lies more in the performers’ experience or the audience’s reaction. Can the thrill and exaltation he describes occur even in practice or rehearsal, or is it tied to public performance? Additionally, how might the principles of improv be applied in education, teamwork, or problem-solving settings?
NDngoc diep
This makes me appreciate the collaborative nature of improvisation even more. I wonder how Del Close thinks the principles of improv—like listening, adapting, and trusting others—translate into broader life skills. Could these techniques help people work better together in everyday contexts beyond entertainment? Also, I’m curious if he believes improvisation has a unique power to reveal something essential about human creativity and connection that other art forms can’t quite capture.