Guild Wars 2: We Like Being Humans

I sitting at Blacktop Comedy using Flipboard a few days ago, learning about new video games (Halo 4, Assassin's Creed 3, and Black Ops 2 to be precise), and came across a very interesting article about Guild Wars 2. Please! Don't tune out! I know this sounds like some nerdy talk about dwarves, and elves, and orcs, but it's more a story about people. And, it applies to improv, and theater, and even film.

The article focused on the players overwhelming tendancy to choose to be human. A player has the option of five disctint races, but the majority opt to be humans.

In fact:

"Players of MMORPGs do have a known bias toward creating attractive human (or very human-like) characters. Researcher Nick Yee, who studies World of Warcraft player behavior in depth, found in 2005 that Human and Night Elf were far and away the most popular character races in WoW."

Why does it matter gamers enjoy being human? It's a great reminder for an improviser. I've taught dozens of classes in Roseville and Sacramento where students worry being a human and dealing with human issues would lead to a boring improv scene. However, those are the most interesting stories, because they're human. A human issue is relatable, the audience will be engaged with something they can connect with. Consider the popularity of reality programming. If humans were a dull subjects, there wouldn't be dozens of reality programs, and the Guild War 2 players? They opt for a human avatar when they could be anything else.

Check out the article! It's worth the read.

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