Improvising is…1

I teach and direct improv pretty regularly.  Some of the same challenges come up in every class or rehearsal regardless of age, background, and even skill level.  Some common challenges involve being fully present and open to others’ ideas, allowing oneself to be affected by what is happening, and reacting sincerely and honestly in the moment.

When addressing the subject of challenges, I admittedly can babble on a little too long hoping that maybe something I say will pinpoint the essence of the matter and possibly even help someone understand.  For the most part, it’s just lots of babbling.  But every once in a while, I actually come up with something that I feel communicates one of my philosophies on the craft.  I discovered one such as this the other day.

Improvising isn’t about pulling something out of your ass.  It’s about pulling something out of your heart.  The audience knows the difference.  And they’d prefer not to watch something that smells like ass.

I’ll probably have to come up with a different one for my kids’ classes.