Lesson One : Don't be fake!

First off, thank you SO MUCH to Mike for posting all of the rules, because I definitely missed number 8. Next time I'm typing notes because my handwriting is atrocious when I speed write!

So, this is definitely much more than I expected from an improv class. I have very little experience with improv aside from at one point having a roommate that ran an improv group and held practice in our living room. Those were some fun days! But sadly, I suffer from some pretty bad anxiety and at the time could not will myself to participate.

One thing I learned Monday was that Improv does not have to be funny and that was the moment I knew I no longer had any idea what I was in for.

First exercise, I was full of nerves and hilariously enough was given the prompt "humiliation", so I did what I always do in improv games with friends, I used my anxiety and leaned into the panic. Which worked, but also made me a talkative wreck, which we all later learned was NOT the way.

I really enjoyed watching everyone else's improvisation as well, because I think we all brought something different to the table. When Ness started seducing back, I nearly died laughing, because despite it not having contrast, it did have irony. I didn't expect it at all.

The 13 Rules of Improv had an overarching theme of "Don't be fake", which I loved, and many of them were explanations on how not to be fake or how to tell when you weren't being genuine. I found the sensory lesson to be very close to my heart, because it's something I'm learning in therapy and something I strive to work on every day: Being present in the moment.

Some of my favorite quotes were definitely "DO NOT INDICATE. EXPERIENCE!" and " Let it be uncomfortable until it's comfortable."

During the second exercise I really enjoyed the musical element and found it fascinating that no matter what, I could trust my subconscious to NOT let me take the easy route and stick to one song. I also like that it trains you to forget almost everything else and just focus on your scene partner to match their energy.

Can't wait for tonight!

You are so welcome to be here. Can not wait to get to know you.