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I joined Level 1 (aka beginner's level) because admittedly, I don't have an experience in improvisational performance yet. I may be the class clown or the group's stand up comic but I do know that the art of improv is a different animal altogether.
I first learned about improv from watching SPIT in Commune, marathoning Saturday Night Live (SNL) videos on YouTube, and reading Tina Fey's hilarious memoir "Bossypants."
Watching SPIT for the first time, I thought that their brand of comedy is unique. Little did I know that it's not just a comedy show, it's a performance art. For comparison, it's like theater without the stage set-up, costumes, scripts, and rehearsed blocking, lights and sounds, and movements.
SNL is branded as a live sketch comedy show but I learned early on that most of its former and current cast members and writers have an improv background. I would name Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler, as some of my improv heroes.
In Tina's case, she dedicated a chapter in her book for the love of improv. That was where I first learned its two greatest commandments:
Commandment no. 1: Always say, "Yes"
By doing so, you will be able to continue your unrehearsed, unscripted story.
Commandment no. 2: Say, "Yes, and..."
You have to not only agree to what your co-performer said but also contribute to his/her idea.
Seasoned and amateur improvisers know that you only need to take to heart these two rules and you can get through most of your performances (unless your sh*tty nerves get in the way, then sorry bes!). Going through Level 1 under teacher Aryn Cristobal (yes, shout-out!) made me realize more guidelines to help me become a better improviser:
No. 3: Make your partner look good
It's simple. If you agree to what your partner said (even if you really don't), the audience will believe that the two of you are in sync with your make believe stories.
No. 4: It's not about you
Perhaps the hardest thing for any aspiring improviser/performer is to think of himself as not the 'star of the show' but just a part of it. Successful improv shows are made by groups and not individuals. If you think you're not ready to say "we" instead of "I," then stand up comedy might be the best way for you (which is not a bad thing, honestly).
No. 5: Be a child again (even if it means you'll look foolish and embarrassing)
You'll be surprised to learn that a lot of aspiring and practicing improvisers have full time jobs. They enroll in improv classes because they (I included) believe that it will develop their creativity, playfulness, and fun-loving spirit that they unfortunately loss while working or being "alipin ng salapi."
In my group's case, you could easily point out who are part of the labor force--not just by our outfits but also by our demeanors (more reserved, careful with words, and cautious of movements). Gladly, we had 8 sessions to break that attitude and be childlike again!
No. 6: Don't control what's going to happen. "Que Sera Sera." Prepare for pleasant surprises
"Improvisation," according to (Senator) Merriam-Webster is the act or art of speaking or performing without practicing or preparing ahead of time. If you don't get the point, you just wasted a good 5 minutes reading my blog.
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| Pardon the (always) haggard face. I went straight to the venue from Palawan |
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| Our team is called "Where's Mariana?" |
We played five short games in an effort to sound and look spontaneous, young, and fun in front of supportive families, friends, and fellow improvisers. It wasn't a perfect showcase but it was nonetheless fun.
I'll close this blog by echoing what TWI Director Gabe Mercado said during his introduction, "Improv is a process, not a product."
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| Gabe Mercado. I wish I just Googled a photo of him |
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| Like any millennial-dominated group, we had to look cool, hence the group hand sign |
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