I love improv comedy, and have always admired individuals who brave it all, go up on stage and perform their heart out in front of a crowd of strangers. I admire those individuals, and I have always wanted to become one of those individuals. Not, like, quit my job, move to LA, wait tables on the side while struggling to get that break, just simply a gal who can kill it at an improv show.
I think it’s a wonderful life skill to have, the core foundation of improv can be applicable to anything.
A few weeks back, my friend Jenna had completed a 6 week Improv class, and her team had put on a ‘graduation show’ exclusively for their friends and family. I was blown away by her courage- improv takes a huge amount of boldness- and decided right then and there (dying of laughter from her and her team) that I absolutely had to take the plunge, and sign up for my very own classes, come fall.
To see if improv was even remotely for me, I decided to test the waters, and found a half-day beginner improv workshop. Luckily, I was able to convince Jenna to join me for the afternoon, and this past weekend, was my first attempt at comedy.
Here are a few things that I learned, and very quickly I might add…
- You want to jump into a scene, but you’re not sure if what you’re about to say is funny, is it? No, it’ll be funny, right? Is now a good time? OK, I’m going to do it! Wait, no, I… If your toes are tingling, you’re ten seconds too late. Just go for it. If you miss your chance to jump in when the iron is hot, you’re going to miss a great opportunity to strike!
- We played many games that moved at fast momentum. There was nothing more of a buzz kill than someone completely choking up, thinking about what they wanted to say, pausing, thinking some more, and then saying what they thought (hard) about saying. Saying anything is better than pausing. No really, it is. Do not overthink, therefore creating a very awkward pause.
- Say what you’re going to say with confidence. If what you end up saying sounds beyond ridiculous, just go with it. Stick with it, and stay confident. Your audience is already nervous for you, your team members are nervous for you, and you’re nervous for you. So when you give even the slightest hint that you don’t have confidence in what you just said, you are confirming everyone’s fear- you don’t know what you’re doing. But if you deliver your line with confidence, it assures all parties involved, you’ve totally got this!
- OK, maybe you just blurted out a fact, piece of history, or a name that was totally incorrect, ‘Panda’s gestate for 36 months!’ Being wrong about a fact, is usually pretty funny. As long as you are confident about it! See number 3.
- If you’re thinking ahead and what you want to do or say next, you’re going to mess up. Your next clue is in your scene partner. In their face. In their body language. You must stay present, be in the moment, and not think ahead to what you want to say or do.
- Just go for it. What’s the worst that can happen? (I mean, besides crickets)
Reoccurring theme and the biggest life lesson of them all: CONFIDENCE
I’m addicted to the bursts of laughter I was solely responsible for, and the upbeat, positive and encouraging support given off by my workshop group. They were incredible!!!
I’m thrilled to announce that I have signed up for a five week course at the DC IMPROV and for the love of God, wish me luck in my new endeavor!
PS. Highly recommended read- Bossypants by Tiny Fey