When you start out, improvising is all about rules. Actually, a lot of it is about don’ts:
Don’t deny
Don’t ask questions
Don’t go for the joke
Most people are so nervous starting out that you can actually see their brains working, trying to remember all the rules so that they can have a “successful scene.” Because of that, [...]
Continue reading about Lessons I Learned From Improvising, Part 2
I’ve been improvising for 15 years now. I love improv; the challenge of creating entertainment from nothing has always attracted me; I get a rush from working without a net like that. I’ve taken classes from a ton of different theaters: Groundlings, Second City, ImprovOlympic and more, but there are two big things I’ve learned [...]
Continue reading about Lessons I Learned From Improvising, Pt. 1
One time after performing at the old Second City space on Melrose avenue, I wandered over to the Improv Comedy Club next door as many of us did. I was always on the lookout for famous comedians, since a lot of them would come in to hang out and be famous. This particular night who [...]
For all I know you’re reading this and you’re HILARIOUS, but in my experience, most people who have to tell you how funny they are just aren’t funny. Did George Carlin talk about being funny? No. He told jokes (satirical observations actually, but let’s not split hairs here). For me, build-ups run the risk of [...]
