Cut to What?

(My 201 class after our graduation show)

photo credit: John Haegle

After the holidays, I started classes at UCB, the improv and sketch theatre/school here in LA. If you don't know about it already, you should definitely read about it.  There are so many improv schools/methods/shows/etc here in town, and deciding which to study is definitely enough to induce mind spinning psychosis.  Every single one boasts a great reputation and a roster of known talents to lure young hopefuls.  However, I encourage anyone interested to decide as I did:  I study at the school whose shows I enjoy the most.  Makes sense eh?

Confession:  when I first started taking classes here in LA, I didn't make improv study much of a priority.  I mean, it's just making shit up as you go, right?  Hell, I did that today when talking to parents at work.  I had no idea what was going on with their child; they just needed some reassuring words and I made them up.  So thus I put improv on the back burner and threw myself into scene study, convinced that was going to make me the best actor possible, and that improv is for silly actors who just want to laugh and have fun.  Honestly, I thought I would be naturally good at it; and it wouldn't take long for me to acquire the skill.

So I 'got around' to taking my first improv series in January, all bright eyed and ready to take my rightful place as teachers pet.

(SHOE DROPS)

We open on Mingni leaving improv class, staring blankly out into the parking lot, unable to use her brain because it hurts.

Guys.  Improv is hard.  Anyone can stand up on a stage, act like an idiot, and get some cheap laughs.  Improv actors take an idea, start with a statement, and create a comedic game that can be played and heightened for extended scenes, making laughs infinite.  There are so many tools and concepts to remember; and it all has to be done on the fly.  I can't tell you how many times I stood up in class, mouth agape with completely no idea where to go from where I was.  Improv forces you to be at the mercy of your other players, and thrive.  I am completely in love with this paradigm of improv acting: it's actually so structured.  There are clear rules and strategy to every scene.  At the same time, ANYTHING can happen.  Isn't it just wonderful?!  I have never been so challenged, frightened, and stressed.  Nor have I ever been so inspired.  Cheesy!  Fantastic!