Wave More

Relax. What's the harm in saying hi? While walking through the parking lot this morning, I saw a friend in her Toyota Corolla, and waved. Well, I thought it was my friend, until the car continued past me, a complete stranger behind the driver seat waving back at me. I immediately felt embarrassed, my face flushed red. What was I thinking? Better yet, what must that stranger be thinking?

My embarrassment lasted only a couple seconds, before I realized: Relax. There's no harm in saying hi. I just greeted someone, which is a thoughtful gesture, regardless of the situation.

The experience made me think about improv and how we can hold back onstage. We can bury our ideas, our onstage 'wave,' because we worry we might look foolish. My team would hate if I said that. Honestly, if your intention is to help the scene, you can never make a bad move. Your team will appreciate the contribution, because it signals you care about scene. If you're focused on building a scene with someone, every gesture is brilliant.

Three Reasons to See Teen Slasher

If you know me, you know I love keeping things light & upbeat. [Warning: incredibly sarcastic statement ahead] Naturally, I’m the perfect choice for directing Blacktop’s latest show, Teen Slasher. Paul was shocked when I asked to be the director. “You’re rainbows and baby kittens,” he responded, You sure you’re up for this?”

For the next week, I watched lots of scary movies, and I did a lot of thinking…. and some screaming. Yep, I concluded, I want to direct Teen Slasher.

Over the past two months, Teen Slasher has developed into something incredible. What makes it different? Three things:

1.  Mystery killer! No one knows who the killer is….even the improvisers! The killer is revealed to the audience and performers at the same moment.

2. Splatter factor! Be ready for the bloodiest improv you’ll ever see. (First couple rows receive free ponchos.)

3.  An incredible cast! I am so proud of these performers. They have worked tirelessly to create the funniest show possible.

The stage transforms this Friday, and every Friday in October for Teen Slasher. We will see you at the theater. You will want to let people know, “I saw that show!”

-Betsaida Lebron

Teen Slasher Director

The Secret? Watch More Improv!

As a teacher at Blacktop Comedy you field a lot of questions. The more frequent question?

"How do I get better?"

Look, I get it! A desire to improve, to become a more skillful performer is natural (sidenote: if you have a teacher who feels they know everything, and aren't still working on their abilities/skills/approach, I'd encourage you to study elsewhere.)

The path to improvement is a pretty simple equation, and works whether you're in improviser in Roseville, Sacramento, LA, Chicago or New York:

Practice + Performance + Watching = Improvement

That's it! Keep practiving, jump onstage to perform when chances arise, and, don't forget, go WATCH improv. Check out the groups in your area. All of them. Don't marry yourself to one theater. Go see what's happening everywhere, because you'll discover what you like, what you want to learn, and what you want to avoid.

Now, it's your lucky day! The San Francisco Improv Festival is in town. Honestly, it's in your own city right now....on the internet. Have you checked out the ustream channel for the San Francisco Improv Festival? Do it! You can watch some of the best improv in the world descend on San Francisco! Who can you see? Well, Razowsky & Hamilton, The Freeze, Kind Strangers, King Ten, WeirDass, BATS Improv, Dr. God, Comedysportz, Five Play Improv, Messing with a Friend, and more. I hope you take advantage of the ustream channel.