“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself” – Charles Schulz (cartoonist) In IMPROV, we, as trained improvisers, can see the humor in serious events. Utilizing a detached or skewed viewpoint can create conflict and[…]
“He who fears being conquered is certain of defeat” – Napoleon (political and military leader) In IMPROV, make BOLD CHOICES. BOLD CHOICES leave no room for fear or defeat!
“The English Channel is a mere ditch” – Napoleon (political and military leader) In IMPROV, have confidence in yourself and support your scene partner! The audience will be invested in the scene and in your success. The task at hand will seem much more attainable.
“Part of me suspects that I’m a loser, and the other part of me thinks I’m God Almighty” – John Lennon (musician and writer) In IMPROV, two sides of the same coin can equate to dynamic IMPROV! Even though the parts can be diametrically opposed, this tension can result in a good scene. A strong[…]
“If you want to be a different fish, you gotta jump out of the school” – Captain Beefheart (a.k.a. Don Van Vliet, musician, poet, and painter) Be an individual—IMPROVISE!!!
“Art is making something out of nothing and selling it” – Frank Zappa (musician and composer) In IMPROV, never write in your head. Let the scene unfold before you. Accept your scene partner’s gifts, and give them something back. Fill those gifts with truth, and the scene sells itself.
“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible” – Frank Zappa (musician and composer) In IMPROV, identify the first unusual thing that comes up in the scene and justify that unusual thing. Play with it, and make it front and center as a reality of your scene.
“The only cats worth anything are the cats that take chances” – Thelonious Monk (jazz pianist and composer) In IMPROV, the saying is “dare to fail!” Make bold moves! Have an opinion! Push your boundaries, and commit to the scene!
“Innovation is not easy. It takes hard work, great timing, and some serious gumption” – Elon Musk (billionaire, investor, and inventor of Tesla Motors, PayPal, SpaceX) In IMPROV, serious play requires focus! Feel the rhythm of the scene, and dare to fail!
“There is never any end…There are always new sounds to imagine, new feelings to get at. And always, there is the need to keep purifying these feelings and sounds so that we can really see what we’ve discovered in its pure state” – John Coltrane (jazz icon, musician, and composer) In IMPROV, great improvisers strive[…]