I recently signed up for an Improv Class taught by a friend (he’s a new friend and I’m just smitten with him!). Now…. you may ask why in the world would YOU take an improv class? You’re not trying to break into standup comedy (maybe I am! – just kidding – maybe- maybe not – the suspense is killing you isn’t it). You’re not in the film industry (I live in Atlanta so I’m in the industry just by geographic location so there). Anyway….. back to the original point. I took an improv class for several reasons. #1 I was extremely curious what in the world is improv I knew sort of but not really and what I thought it was wasn’t it at all. #2 all knowledge is good knowledge in my book. What can I learn from this class? #3 I love taking classes.
I was not nervous in the least. That’s a wonderful thing I’ve always had – I’m not nervous in front of other people, strangers, groups, etc. Instead of worrying about what they think of ME – I’ve always been of the mindset they need to worry what I think of THEM. Not that they need to worry at all – I enjoy new situations meetings etc. Dewey who taught the class (great job too Dewey!!) took our group of 5 through several exercises etc to get us into the real meaning of improv. Our group of 5 consisted 3 millennials, a new friend who is probably in her 40s (maybe 30s I’m horrible at telling age) and myself. I was the oldest even by a few years on Dewey – interesting when I look at that. I still feel 8 years old most of the time thus its surprising when I’m the oldest. Fun thoughts everywhere!
What’s the most important one thing that I took out of this class??? You may ask???? is saying YES instead of saying NO. By saying yes you continue the circumstance and actions if saying NO it shuts it down immediately.
Example that came up in class.
Person one: Clean up the cat poop
Me: No
what COULD have been….
Person one: Clean up the cat poop
Me: Yes….. and then I’ll take Benadryl because I’m allergic to cats!
or….
Me: Yes….. and then I’ll wash my hands thoroughly and vomit!
Me: Yes…. and then I’ll make you throw it away!
See what just happened there?
Improv teaches you skills in every facet of your day. It makes you think about how you’re responding.
Anyway…… I’m telling you all of this because it’s important to get out there and try new things! Take a chance!!! You may learn something new in spite of yourself.
Did I mention I can’t wait for the advanced improv class?? #almostfamous #improv
Go onto Meetup.com and find something fun to do – there’s something for everyone!!!
Cocktails at Seven 