Showing Up

“The first rule of doing work that matters…Go to work on a regular basis. Art is hard. Selling is hard. Writing is hard. Making a difference is hard. When you’re doing hard work, getting rejected, failing-working it out–this is a dumb time to make a situational decision about whether it’s time for a nap or[…]

Choices in Improv

“There are no wrong notes, some are just more right than others” – Thelonious Monk (jazz pianist and composer) In IMPROV, there are no wrong choices either. However, some choices move the scene forward and increase the connection between scene partners, while other choices cause you to lose the connection and could kill the scene.[…]

On Becoming Great

“I was a dishwasher at one of those Japanese places that cook at your table. Not too fun” – Aziz Ansari (comedian and actor on Parks and Recreation) In IMPROV, everyone starts somewhere. Focus on your craft, and your abilities will grow. Great improvisers aren’t born, they’re grown and cultivated!

Improve by Watching

“Don’t be in a hurry to condemn someone because he doesn’t do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today” – Malcolm X (activist) In IMPROV, you can learn just as much from watching a beginning improviser as from watching[…]

What is Active Listening?

“Your lines should sound like spontaneous combustion, not like acting at all, and that comes from actively listening!” – Michael Caine (actor, speaking on actors and acting) In IMPROV, active listening is listening with your whole body. Feel the intent of the lines given, feel the layers of emotion behind the words, and react honestly,[…]

Focus on the Relationship

“Joy is not in things, it’s in us” – Benjamin Franklin (scientist, inventor, author, politician, political theorist, statesman, and diplomat) In IMPROV, you should focus on the relationship between the improvisers in the scene, not on what they’re doing or on a character who is not present. The connection between the improvisers on stage must[…]