Nothing Held Back
While doing some Christmas shopping in Roseville I came across this very funny sign. Everyone who comes to the beginner improv comedy workshop should learn this first.
I was doing some Christmas shopping by the Galleria Mall last night, and saw this sign.
“NOTHING HELD BACK!“
I didn’t go in the store, but I love the idea they’re holding nothing back inside (and, for some reason, that exclamation mark really gets me).
“Ask us how we’re feeling because nothing is held back!“
“Do you look fat in that? Ask us! We’ll be honest because nothing is held back!“
“Should you have made better choices in my 20s? Ask us and let’s get real! Nothing is held back!”
You get the idea. It made me giggle.
And…honestly…this is a pretty great sign to think of before walking into an improv scene.
NOTHING HELD BACK onstage!
Be honest, and discover something true because you’re not holding anything back. Most people onstage go to the safe choices. If you’re being more authentic you’ll be more interesting…and funny! All that good comedy is waiting behind the honesty.
Have a great day!
Make Improv Comfortable
New habits can be hard to establish, but the small things that make the experience fun will help you come back again and again.
Over the last year I’ve gotten more into photography, and like very hobby…it requires buying some gear.
What was the piece of the gear that made the biggest difference?
Lenses?
Camera body?
Adobe Lightroom?
Nope. It was a strap. When I bought the Sony 6400, I quickly became annoyed with the basic strap they provided. While taking pictures someone noticed my frustration with the factory strap, and suggested, buying a Peak Design strap. They weren’t cheap, but as the photographer suggested, “it’s comfortable and lets you focus on your photography.“
In short, the strap helps me focus on taking pictures. That’s why I’m walking around the park….to take pictures. I don’t want to spend time thinking about comfort. I want to go into a photoshoot as comfortable as possible so I can just perform.
I think it’s the same with improv. What can do or give yourself before a night of improvisation that makes the experience fun? What little gift can you give yourself to help you focus on the scene, and your scene partner?
For instance, I realized a couple of weeks into improv, “I improvise better on an empty stomach.“ So, I eat before a performance. I know that little change makes a difference, and helps me get to the fun.
Maybe clothes? Are you comfortable? Get comfortable! Make those personal conditions something you want to return to, because if it’s a struggle you might give up, and say, “improv isn’t for me.“
I might have given up if I didn’t buy that strap because that small discomfort and frustration would ONLY occur when I was out taking pictures. I’d link discomfort and frustration to photography and probably give up.
Make success easier for yourself in improv. Think about what little comforts you can give yourself.
Where to Find Names?
Naming a character in an improv scene isn’t necessary, but it’s fun, and can make your scene easier. Here is an easy way to find unique names.
One of the best things to do in an improv scene is name someone. It helps you, your team, and the audience loves a name. I’ll sit and think about that more one day but it’s a fact…audiences LOVE a name. You name someone, and 75% of the time it gets a giggle. I’m not sure WHY it gets that giggle…but I’m pretty confident about that 75%.
Naming someone helps you SEE the character, and maybe even help make some assumptions about that person. For isntance, naming a person “Chuckles” hits different than “Cleteus Buchwack III.”
But…you ask…about to walk into an improv scene….where do I find names? Where can I find GOOD names? We all have our go to names onstage like “Nick,“ “Sarah,” “Reginald.”
But, what aout those creative names that’ll help inspire the team and intrigue the audience?
Well, while taking my cats to the vet today (don’t worry…they’re OK! Just an annual checkup), I noticed the boarad at Banfield in Roseville listed out ALL the animal names they’d be seeing today.
You know what’s unique? Pet names! People have so much fun naming their pets. We can always bring that same level of play and fun into our improv games. Improv is play afterall…so have fun with the names. And, if you’re having a hard time thinking of a name swing by a pet store and check out all the names of todays patients.
Izzy?
Miss Hnedricks?
Jelly Bean?
Now we’re talkin! These could all add a lot of inspiration to a character.
(I tried to snap this picture it quickly without someone noticing. I didn’t want someone asking, “why are you taking pictures of animal names?” But..you get the idea…pet names are great for naming characters in an improv scene.)
Hope you have a fantastic day!