Honouring a non-thing

Improvisational performers will mime the objects they need to execute the idea and the sketch they are busy with.

With skill and finesse their hands conjuring from thin air the idea of that thing.

What happens when the idea is done and the joke is made is surprising:

Some choose to then put that thing "down".

The joke has been made and the work has been done, they do not need to do this. Honouring the full life cycle of this non-thing is what lets them be great at making it.