The Economics of Improv Comedy

For fun today I attended a class on improv comedy at lunch time, and as I have heard many economists say there is economics in everything, improv is no exception.  As the instructor explained to us how improv works my mind kept drifting to how a successful improv show is like a market economy.  One of the most fundamental points that economists argue is that trade is mutually beneficial and that trade promotes cooperation between parties.  In order to be successful in the market you have to use your resources to produce a product that consumers want and find worthwhile.  Furthermore, Adam Smith's idea of the invisible hand tells us that if we follow our own self-interest we will also create a benefit for society.

Well I learned today that improv is all about cooperation.  You have to offer the person you are working with something that they value and they in return will give you a line, information, character development that is beneficial to you.  There are rules and you and your partner need to agree to these rules to get the best results.  There is in fact a beneficial exchange of information between the two actors.  It is in your self-interest to pay attention to the lines coming from the other actor to determine what it is they want.  The invisible hand fits here nicely as the instructor explained that the purpose of improv is not to try and be funny, but to act and react to the actors around you.  The comedy he explained is a by-product of a successful exchange between the actors.  In other words if the actors listen to each other and engage in a beneficial exchange the audience will find it funny and be entertained. Yet another environment where the successful exchange between parties even without money or physical products being traded leads to the individuals improving themselves and the well-being of others.

Cannot wait for my next lesson ...