Improv Resource Center - Forums
Alright, let the madness begin. I'm starting this journal because I have a lot of random thoughts bouncing around my head and I rarely have an outlet for them. Hopefully this journal will help me focus my thoughts, chart my progress and share experiences.
My name is Brian and I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am 29 years old and I am indeed a member of the states predominant faith (Hinduism). I have been going to improv shows for years but it wasn't until last fall, while I was watching Laughing Stock at the Off Broadway Theatre, that I decided I wanted to try it. What has happened since has really been a blur to me. School, work, whatever social life I may have had, it has all taken a backseat to improv. And because I didn't really know anybody in the community and because class was only once a week, it has been very difficult for me to get my "improv fill".
Let me just state here why I love improv. This will probably come out as a little over-the-top but to me improv represents everything that is good. It is fun and it is silly. Whereas stand-up comedy (which I have always loved) is generally dark and even mean-spirited, improv can be clean and just plain fun. Stand-up is all about the individual but improv is about the group. Each actor living in the moment and sharing one group mind. I have only been in a handful of "great" scenes where this has happened but it was an adreneline rush and it keeps me wanting more.
I am, by every account, an improv novice. But I am getting better and I have survived, I believe, the initial and inevitable flood of self-doubt. I have 3 improv goals: 1) I want to be having fun, 2) I want to be constantly working on something (more confidence, being a better scene patner, ect), 3) I don't want to say anything bad about another performer or troupe. I have noticed a lot of negative banter displayed between the troupes and individuals here in Salt Lake and it is very tempting to jump in to it. Its natural to want to engage in it and I have already fallen victom to the temptation. Thats why its a goal. I don't want to be that guy. I honestly have nothing but respect for anyone who has the courage to do this. It’s hard, I know all to well.
Alright, that's a good first entry. Theres a lot more I want to write about but it will have to wait for another day. There are a ton of people that have helped me, although most don't know it, and I want to write about them as well. But again, another day. I have to run to class now and I do mean run as its raining hard and my class is on the other end of campus. Later,
Brian
My name is Brian and I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am 29 years old and I am indeed a member of the states predominant faith (Hinduism). I have been going to improv shows for years but it wasn't until last fall, while I was watching Laughing Stock at the Off Broadway Theatre, that I decided I wanted to try it. What has happened since has really been a blur to me. School, work, whatever social life I may have had, it has all taken a backseat to improv. And because I didn't really know anybody in the community and because class was only once a week, it has been very difficult for me to get my "improv fill".
Let me just state here why I love improv. This will probably come out as a little over-the-top but to me improv represents everything that is good. It is fun and it is silly. Whereas stand-up comedy (which I have always loved) is generally dark and even mean-spirited, improv can be clean and just plain fun. Stand-up is all about the individual but improv is about the group. Each actor living in the moment and sharing one group mind. I have only been in a handful of "great" scenes where this has happened but it was an adreneline rush and it keeps me wanting more.
I am, by every account, an improv novice. But I am getting better and I have survived, I believe, the initial and inevitable flood of self-doubt. I have 3 improv goals: 1) I want to be having fun, 2) I want to be constantly working on something (more confidence, being a better scene patner, ect), 3) I don't want to say anything bad about another performer or troupe. I have noticed a lot of negative banter displayed between the troupes and individuals here in Salt Lake and it is very tempting to jump in to it. Its natural to want to engage in it and I have already fallen victom to the temptation. Thats why its a goal. I don't want to be that guy. I honestly have nothing but respect for anyone who has the courage to do this. It’s hard, I know all to well.
Alright, that's a good first entry. Theres a lot more I want to write about but it will have to wait for another day. There are a ton of people that have helped me, although most don't know it, and I want to write about them as well. But again, another day. I have to run to class now and I do mean run as its raining hard and my class is on the other end of campus. Later,
Brian