What is Improv? 

Fundamentally, improv is an art form in which players create a live performance extemporaneously. That means. . .

no script, no premise, no rehearsal. Players create imaginary worlds by responding to one another and continuously fleshing out details by considering “If this is true about this world, what else is true?” 

There are two main divisions: short-form and long-form. Short-form is based on premised improv games, like those you see on Who’s Line is it Anyway?. Long-form is based on what we call “organic” scene creation, creating small scenes—or even plays—on the spot. Players discover a world together through action, tone, and conversation. Long-form scenes can be several minutes to 1.5 hours long. A great example is Netflix’s Middleditch and Schwartz, 2020.

Resonance Improv Alliance was founded by long-form improvisers looking to unite local short-form and long-form performers for the good of our communities. 

Is Improv Comedy? 

Typically, yes, but improv is not limited to comedy. Game-based short-form is designed to be funny. However. . .

long-form is open ended. Whatever the team decides to do can be improvised. Long-form shows often feel like plays, sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, sometimes thought-provoking. Our philosophy on comedy is that you can be clever, but you do not have to be clever to do improv. Long-form gives performers the space to explore, and the fun is created through the collaborative creative process.

What is Yes-And? 

Ah, the core rule of improv! Yes and means that when I’m performing or practicing with a scene partner, I will honor anything that they offer (yes) and then add something to it (and). All players in the scene do this continuously so that we build worlds together. This might look like literally saying “yes and”: . . .

“I saw a dragon at the store today.” 

“Yes, and he was breathing fire in the cooler section.” 

“Yes, and Sandy was upset about the melted ice cream.” 

“Yes, and she came home crying, covered in sticky goo!”

“Yes, and that reminds me, I need to go clean out my armor.”

“Fare thee well, Sir Lancelot, may your armor shine,
and may your ice cream be firm.”

This more often looks like simply responding in a way that supports the information already established, honoring the truth of the imaginary space: 

“[sigh] I’m sorry, honey, it’s been a bad day.”

“The principal called and told me the kids were both late.”

“I was worried it was going to escalate to Mr. Jones.”

“Well, it is the 38th time this semester.” 

“I’m trying my best. It’s just that the kids…I can’t make them behave.”

“I know, the kids are impossible. Listen, I’ve been
meaning to ask you something.”

“You want to send them to boarding school!!!”

“Don’t you?”

Yes-and is simple, but honing this practice takes time. Improvising requires players to find a way to accept what is presented in the scene, make sense of unexpected information, and work together with their scene partner. This skill learned in a creative and playful context can be applied to work, school, and life.

Who Can Perform with Resonance Improv Alliance?

Anyone! Resonance Improv Alliance is here to connect improvisers to communities. While most of our shows are open to performances of any experience level, Resonance-sponsored public performances are curated to ensure a good night out for our donors. Learn more about our types of improv events here. Opportunities are open to all interested improvisers, regardless of where you got your training. See how to sign up!

How Does Improv Benefit the Community?

Resonance Improv Alliance is designed to flexibly support our local communities with the skills we have honed through our improv practice. While we are growing, we are actively soliciting new opportunities to use improv to be the change.

We are open to connections with local non-profits to explore potential synergies. Contact us!
Our practical approaches include but are not limited to: . . .
  • facilitating applied improv workshops to support specialty communities, especially in the nonprofit sector
  • coaching professionals and leaders of specialty groups (such as healthcare workers or support groups) about how they can use the principles of improv in their communities 
  • providing low-cost entertainment for non-profit fundraisers and community events
  • providing local improvisers with resources that will help them explore the craft, build their own communities, and put on even better community shows

Learn about our services!

What are the Principles of Improv Mentioned in the Mission?

Our mission is laser focused on human connections. The mindset required to do improv naturally creates community, and it’s what inspired us to work with CORE to create our cause. There are many ways we apply improv in our daily lives, but the ones that stand out to Resonance are. . .


Yes-And. As described above, yes-and is about creating a shared reality and working collaboratively with others. Apply this offstage for better brainstorming, teamwork, and general positive conversations.

Got Your Back. This is a phrase we use to indicate mutual support. We try to worry more about our scene partners than ourselves during an improv show. Offstage, this looks like supporting your colleague when they present an idea, giving credit where credit is due, and staying humble.

Psychological Safety. To experience freedom of expression, a sense of safety is critical. We cultivate these environments by maintaining a judgement-free attitude, meeting people where they are, honoring boundaries, and explicitly discussing limitations—all while focusing on having fun.

Embrace Mistakes. Not only is it okay to make mistakes in improv, it is encouraged! We celebrate mistakes because they are often funny, especially when you double-down on them. Offstage, we celebrate mistakes because they are the ultimate catalyst for growth.

Be Present and Adapt. Improvising is all about being an active listener, staying in the moment, and adapting to changing scenarios. This habit enables us to focus our attention on friends, family, and coworkers. Learning to embrace change in an improv scene helps us handle unexpected moments in life.

Gift Giving. In improv scenes, we try to bring information rather than asking questions. We can ‘gift’ our scene partners with characters, emotions, ideas, and motivations. This is a crucial part of the collaborative and supportive nature of long-form improv. In daily living, the practice of gift giving helps you to focus on what you can offer to solve a problem or move the ball forward.

Find Your Frequency. We believe that everyone who is interested has a place in our community. Often what makes a person funny is not how clever they can be with word play, but simply how their unique perspective plays against the perspective of another. Find what resonates with you and join us.

Is Resonance Improv affiliated with improv schools?

Resonance Improv Alliance is an independent program fiscally sponsored by the CORE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We operate autonomously and are not affiliated with the great commercial improv training centers in the area.


While our specific mission, centered on applied improv and community resilience, is unique, we stand on the shoulders of the talented educators and innovators who established the foundations of improv in the DC/NoVA area. The concepts we utilize today are part of a shared local legacy of ‘Yes, and’ that we are proud to carry forward.