Colin Mochrie has built a career on laughter, quick thinking, and the simple power of two words: “yes and.” Known worldwide for his sharp wit and ability to turn any situation into comedy gold, the Vancouver-raised performer continues to show how improv lessons can shape not just a stage career but also everyday life.
Mochrie, who grew up in the Fraserview area, first stepped into the world of improvisation through TheatreSports, a format that challenges actors to create scenes on the spot. He has never lost touch with those roots. Even now, decades after making his mark in television and live performance, he often returns to Vancouver. In June, he delighted local audiences with a performance, and he will return in August alongside fellow comedians Denalda Williams, Gary Jones, Jeff Gladstone, Rod Crawford, and Veena Sood.
At the heart of Colin Mochrie improv comedy lies one central rule: accept what is offered in a scene and build on it. Known as “yes and,” the approach forces performers to agree with a partner’s suggestion and then add something new to move the story forward. Mochrie has often explained how powerful this mindset can be. For him, it is not only a performance technique but also a way of life. “Getting people to say yes is the hardest thing,” he has shared when talking about teaching workshops. In everyday situations, people tend to say no or resist change. Yet in improv, the only way to keep the scene alive is to accept and expand.
Mochrie and his wife decided to bring the “yes and” rule into their personal lives. Instead of turning down new ideas or opportunities, they chose to embrace them, even if it meant stepping outside their comfort zones. The result has been a more open and adventurous life. While they have not taken extreme risks—Mochrie jokes about not jumping out of planes—they have leaned into experiences they might otherwise have avoided. The mindset has allowed them to grow, connect, and discover joy in unexpected places.
Colin Mochrie improv comedy is not limited to stage performances. His career itself is a reflection of adaptability. Rising to fame as a cast member of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, he became a household name in the 1990s and 2000s. The show’s format, which revolved around unscripted sketches, suited his quick reflexes and unique sense of humor. Beyond television, Mochrie has toured internationally, written books, and collaborated with countless comedians. Yet his approach has always been rooted in the same principle: say yes, then add something more. This ability to pivot and adapt has kept him relevant in an entertainment world that constantly changes.
The appeal of “yes and” goes beyond comedy fans. It is a philosophy that resonates in workplaces, schools, and families. Leaders use it to encourage collaboration, teachers adopt it to inspire creativity, and individuals apply it to push past fear. For Mochrie, the lesson is simple but profound: life flows better when people agree to build together rather than resist each other. By modeling this mindset both on stage and in life, he shows that improv comedy is more than entertainment. It is a tool for openness and connection.
When Colin Mochrie takes the stage in Vancouver this August, audiences can expect more than quick punchlines and sharp improvisation. They will witness a master of his craft applying a life philosophy in real time. Surrounded by fellow performers Denalda Williams, Gary Jones, Jeff Gladstone, Rod Crawford, and Veena Sood, he will once again prove why his brand of comedy remains timeless. For fans, it is not only a chance to laugh but also a reminder that the rules of improv can apply outside the theater. Saying yes, even when uncertain, can lead to moments of growth, surprise, and connection.
Colin Mochrie improv comedy has entertained millions, but its lasting impact may be the way it encourages people to live more openly. As Mochrie continues to share the stage and the lessons of “yes and,” audiences in Vancouver and beyond will keep discovering the joy of improv—both as a performance and as a way of life.
