The days leading up to last Wednesday night, were the most nerve racking days I’ve had in ages. OMG, Dara, WHY!? you’re probably dying to know, right? Well, I have been playing studying at DC Improv’s Comedy School since October. Currently enrolled in their Level 2 Improv Class, which at the end of the course has…. a graduation show!
That’s right. A graduation show for our beloved friends and family, which is probably the most forgiving and generous audience one can ask for, but still. We would be preforming in the main-room, like up on the raised stage where hundreds of famous comedians once stood, with bright lights shining, and audio-visual. The pressure was on.
It was just about the scariest thing I have ever done. And yes, that beat skydiving with my brother Sam, four years ago.
Now that I’m 2 full courses in (and with somuchmoreknowledge), I wanted to revamp the list of life lessons I learned after taking Improv. Because they are applicable to everything you will ever do in life.
1. This time, CONFIDENCE is going to come in as the #1 spot for this revised list, because confidence is so, totally, unmistakably your best friend while on stage or practicing, through and through.
2. It has been drilled in our heads, a person’s point of view (regardless of how crazy, ridiculous, or irrational) is a persons full blown reality. Think: Donald Trump. The stuff that comes out of that guy’s mouth is insane, but it’s his point of view and he delivers it with serious conviction. So when you settle on a character, hone in on their crazy / ridiculous / irrational / angry / bitter / sweet / kind / charming / goofy / [fill in the blank] point of view and bring it to life, you need to.
3. Build the scene. Details matter. Details are funny. Details are very funny. ‘last night, discussing with a friend over dinner’ vs. ‘last night, as Shelia and I were discussing over crispy fried chicken at Paolo’s Chicken down on 14th and Avery Street.’ We want details.
4. Mundane is actually funny. You do not have to be the crazy, hilarious, off the cuff character to make people laugh. Find the humor in everyday, boring, ordinary things. It’s there. And it’s funny. Trust me.
5. Truth is more interesting than fiction, which ties in nicely with the lesson above. Use your own personal experiences to bring characters and scenes to life.
6. Have full trust in your scene partner. Do not think too far ahead, do not plan, do not go in with anything. Allow their facial expressions, body language, and tone to dictate your next move. You are there to make each other look good, that is your sole job. Making your team look like rock stars. It is not about you.
7. YES AND everything.
I could not be any more proud of my team. Each and every person brought it. It has been incredible watching this dynamic group (of amazing, talented, and hilarious) people evolve, grow, and play together. I’m thrilled to report my improv career will be continuing onto Level 3 this Spring! #YESPLEASE
PS. I don’t remember much of what came out of my mouth — something about Thanksgiving and geriatric pregnancy — but I do recall hearing laughter (thank god), and the proud look on Alex’s face after we were finished, well, that said it all.