Two Improv Groups (Part Two)

First things first, Newbie group has a name now! Once Upon an Improv, or OUI because we are apparently French (OUI, ET would be a particularly amusing backronym). Pro group is Nashville Improv Company or NIC. There we go, less ambiguity! Now onto the point, I got stuff I need to translate from OUI to NIC that will improve my play.

In OUI, we spend most of our time on longform and scenework which is generally the style of improv that I prefer. I like patient, thoughtful scenes that aren't afraid of a little silence because I find those moments to be the most honest and revealing. The work that we do on Saturday mornings in Clarksville is weird, knotted, hilarious and very often incredibly touching. I jump into scenes face first as soon as a fun opportunity opens up for me. I time jump and tagout for two second gags whenever one pops up in my brain. Above all, it feels like all of us have a whole lot of fun and manage to create some really genuine scenes.

The primary thing I want to bring to NIC is fearlessness. In shows, more often than I'd like, I find myself sacrificing "the fun thing" for "the thing I think the audience wants." I still have fun and the audience still leaves happy, but when I think about the show later I can't help but feel a little hollow. I mean, how many times have I been wrong about "what the audience wants"? Hell, I'm sure a lot of the time they'd really enjoy whatever it is that I wanted to do.

I'm too attached to the rules in NIC. I'm too eager to impress the people I'm playing with and the audience with my improv acumen, that I tend to deny my honest voice. I also need to toss the impression that if I play at my own pace that I'm not doing anything. Very often I speak in a scene just because I feel like I need to speak the same amount that my partner does, even when I'd rather just listen or pantomime. I want to be able to stand by my choices more stalwartly, I suppose.

So next time, Edd, I want you to remember that your audition for NIC is over. You've proven yourself enough and now they're pretty much stuck with you. Plus, you've got enough time in rehearsals to figure out how to absolutely break a game occasionally. Be bold, have fun, and be proud of what you've done.