Even though it’s been a long time since I’ve been in school, September always reminds me that it’s the season to learn something. For years, I’ve wanted to learn to be a stronger improviser. While that remains a constant, what’s even more present now is the desire to hold space for people who want to experience how improv might touch their lives. However, when someone discovers my improv background, I usually get the following responses:
- “Tell me a joke – go ahead, say something funny!”
- “Oh I could never do that!”
And guess what? These responses are a great teaching moment for me because:
- Improv isn’t about telling jokes or being funny.
- Improv is something everyone is already doing because life is unscripted.
According to Wikipedia, “Improvisational theater, often called improv, is a form of theater where most or all of what is performed is created at the moment it is performed. In its purest form, the dialogue, the action, the story and the characters are created collaboratively by the players as the improvisation unfolds in present time, without use of an already prepared, written script.”
Our unscripted lives unfold in the present time. And, every interaction we have with someone is a scene in our own lives. We just don’t realize we’re improvising because we think of improv as something that only happens on stage.
Everyone’s a star in Level 2 improv class!
There’s nothing special about me as an improviser. I bought myself improv classes 15 years ago as a divorce present. Because of that, I fell in love with an art form. However, it wasn’t until years later that I realized this art form had been affecting me in ways I didn’t realize because I was focusing on performing. The truth is that what was developing off stage – with my personal and professional development – was way more important.
For all the people who have asked me to “say something funny” over the years, here are the top ten ways improv can make you a star on life’s stage:
Ten: You learn how to be the present. Improv is about the moment and doesn’t allow you to dwell in the past or worry about the future. If you’re not present, you’re not getting the most out of the moment.
Nine: You explore your own creativity. You’re able to tap into parts of yourself that aren’t available in your daily routine. You can actually let your guard down and have fun doing it!
Eight: You’re inspired to take action. You’re inspired to keep trying new things. You’re inspired to be spontaneous. You’re inspired to have adventures.
Seven: You develop a community. You become part of a community of life long learners and explorers. And, you want to spend time with this community of people who support you.
Delivering the magic of “Yes, and …” at the St. Johns County Library Lunch + Learn program
Six: You have fun breathing. Through improv you breathe to slow down and embrace whatever is happening – now. In doing so, you begin to notice details that otherwise would have been missed.
Five: You turn into a “yes” wo/man. Good improvisers say, “yes” to their scene partners. Great improvisers say “yes, and” to their scene partners. Imagine if you say “yes, and” to life!*
Four: You experience the art of authenticity. Improv enables you to dig deep and get into your heart. This can be a great tool for your love life.
Three: Your “couldas,” “wouldas,” “shouldas” quiet down. Once you make a decision or take action – in life or in improv – it’s done. Why dwell on it? Forward march!
Two: You begin to trust – yourself. Slowly you’ll start losing your inhibitions, becoming more confident, and, you may even stop judging yourself. You begin to realize that you have a lot more potential than you realized.
And the number one way improv can make you a star on life’s stage is … up to you! I’m leaving the most important way open for you to fill in your own experience, because every person that improvises has a unique reaction.
So this list wasn’t funny at all. What will be is opening up to an improv adventure where the funny organically unfolds – on stage or off. If you get involved in improv to perform on stage, I applaud you. If you get involved in improv to become a star on the stage of life – staring you – then that’s worth a standing ovation.
* Want to find out more about this “yes, and” concept and how it can help you become a star on life’s stage? The Adventure Project is hosting the following improv experiences:
PLAYSHOP: Improv Hangout
Sunday, October 2nd
6 – 8 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
Play improv games, build community, make a toast and also make some new friends as The Adventure Project hosts a monthly opportunity to play and connect – no improv experience needed!
This month is a special play date because: Pokemon + improv = PokeProv! At 6 p.m. we’re dropping a lure as Limelight is a Poke stop. How will this affect our improv games? Join us and find out!
CLASS: Improv Drop In Taster
Sunday, October 23rd
6 – 8 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
Not sure if Level 1 is right for you? How about a sample then? Drop in to our taster class to see if you want to continue on with the full menu. AND, if you do want the full 8-week meal plan via a spot in Level 1, we’ll put your drop in fee toward your Level 1 tuition!
That’s a great way to enjoy a sample without the commitment!
CLASS: Level 1 – Improv Basics
Mondays, October 24th – December 19th
(No class on October 31st.)
7 – 9 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
Throughout this 8-week course, students will explore the basic concepts of improvisation in a warm, safe and supportive environment. The class is designed to build self-confidence and explore creativity using the fundamentals of improvisation. Designed for both actors and non-actors, it will expose students to:
- Being – and reacting — in the moment.
- Accepting and building on gifts from other classmates.
- Embracing – and using — failure.
- Co-creating with others (listening, communicating, giving & taking focus).
- Thriving in an unscripted environment.
Students leaving this course will have a working understanding of the basic fundamentals of improvisational theater as well as an increased appreciation, and comfort, with being on stage without a script.
SAVE THE DATE
SHOW: Dating Horror Stories with 3 Blind Dates
Sunday, November 13th
Mingle with 3 Blind Dates & share dating stories: 6 p.m.
Show: 6:30 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
An unscripted romantic comedy, 3 Blind Dates follows 3 single ladies through a round of speed dating and the dates that occur as a result. The twist? The audience selects which speed dater goes on a date with each of the ladies!
You may have thought Halloween would be over by November, but the horror continues for these singles!
Please visit The Adventure Project’s calendar for complete details on these events (and others!) including class registration information and show tickets.
