There are many ways to execute a poor improv scene. I have experienced all of them many times over. One way that sticks out in my mind is when players do nothing, so literally nothing happens. Imagine two improvisers on stage, stuck in their heads and at a loss for words, so no forward motion happens.
This is also a recipe for nothingness off the stage, too. How many times have you been in line at the grocery store, sitting at a bar or even attending a concert with the opportunity to say something – anything – and you said nothing? I saw Culture Club a few weeks ago and I asked the gentleman standing next to me a question about one of the opening acts. Ten minutes later we discovered we went to the same college – in Pennsylvania. By the end of the evening, I was best of friends with he and his wife and we’ve been in touch since. Who knows how we’ll end up crossing paths again – I only know that we will. I could have stuck with my friends and opted out of conversations, but what fun is that? Isn’t part of being a human being the desire to connect with others?
Sometimes connecting feels yucky. We often associate the word “networking” with business networking – stuffy events where people share elevator speeches. Networking is so much more than merely a business-to-business exchange – it’s a person-to-person exchange. Whether we’re engaging with others to build a business, to expand a social network or to explore new romantic opportunities, we’re networking. Accessing people around us, and the people around them, opens up opportunities for all of us to explore, create and most importantly relate.
It all starts with one action – saying something … anything. If we don’t say something to the person in line at the grocery store, at the bar or at the concert, we don’t know what small world stories we’re missing. We also don’t know what connections could be developing that might enhance our professional, personal or romantic lives. Someone has to take the first step. Why can’t that someone be you?
Maybe, like those improvisers, you’re stuck in your head about what to say. You might be searching for something smart, funny, clever. What if you didn’t? What if you literally just said anything and you didn’t worry about the perfect opener. Think about it … isn’t saying something that isn’t quite perfect better than not saying anything at all? I asked a mundane question about an opening band at Culture Club and only ten minutes later my concert mate and I are swapping college stories.
I invite you to say anything – no pen or boom box playing Peter Gabriel required. Let me know what adventure unfolds.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO JUST SAY ANYTHING
CLASSES: Improv Summer Series
Thursdays: 7/28, 8/18, & 9/1
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
Take one, take some, or take them all! Take a deep dive into an improv concept in a safe, supportive environment while getting to know members of the growing improv community in St. Augustine. Open to any level improviser.
PLAYSHOP: Improv Hangout
Sunday, August 7th, 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!
CLASS: Level 1 – Improv Basics
Mondays, August 15th – October 3rd
(No class on Labor Day)
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
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.
CLASS: Level 2 Improv (Prerequisite: Level 1): Tuesdays, August 16th – October 4th
CLASS: Level 3 Improv (Prerequisite: Levels 1 & 2): Wednesdays, August 17th – October 5th
PLAYSHOP: Yes Mingler 2
Friday, August 26th
7:30 p.m.
City Bistro Tea House & Coffee Co
A group of people with a “yes, and …” mindset meet for a mini adventure to expand their professional, social or even romantic networks.
Please visit The Adventure Project’s calendar for complete details.
