Stop doing improv
You must have other hobbies!!!
Doing improv is addicting! Especially when you first start— it’s kind of like learning you can do magic. You would want to do magic all the time! It’s awesome! Congratulations, you have a new superpower!
You can't (and shouldn’t) start running around turning people into toads. With great power comes great responsibility! New York needs Spiderman! Ugh, I’m mixing my metaphors. Anyway…
Improv should not be your only ‘thing’
When you get into improv, it comes with a whole community too. This is nice! Built-in friends! I have settled comfortably into the London improv community. There are loads of like-mind people, events to go to, classes and workshops to take. I know this comparison has likely been drawn before, but the improv community functions a bit like church. Regular events, fundraisers, and a congregation that believes in the same tenants you do. Amen!
I find it irritating when people make one of their interests their whole ‘thing’. When every conversation I have with you revolves around Jesus or church, I’m just not going to build a deeper connection with you. I don’t have a problem with religion in general— talk to me about it sometimes, sure. I just think you should diversify your interests.
The same goes with improv; we all know those people who eat, sleep, and breathe the stuff. I get it— I love it too, but it is not the only thing I’m engaged in. It may be hard to believe, but I am interested in people beyond their love of improv. What else do you like to do? Are your parents divorced? Where did you get dinner? These are all questions that I, an extremely normal person, will ask.
A diamond with one facet, well, sucks. Bevel your edges, bitch. Get sparkling.
Get a life!
Seriously, get a life. It will make your improv better. I promise. Go entire days without thinking about, consuming, or performing comedy. I swear, it will make you a more interesting person and a sharper performer. You might think “but Karlie, I can watch some Dropout when I get home, surely?” NO. Read a book. Watch a movie. Crochet. (This is not a condemnation of Dropout. I love Dropout. Dropout— hire me please!).
I consume content like Kirby consumes, well, anything. Books, TV, movies, music, podcasts. Find what you like and get started.
I like reading lit fic and fantasy. I watch as much prestige TV as possible. I try to go to as much live music as my wallet will allow. I play video games. I like to travel.
Okay, now this just sounds like a boring man’s dating profile. Maybe my love for consuming content comes from not being super depressed anymore. There’s so much good stuff out there, and I want to experience it all.
Living a richer, more experienced life WILL make you a better improviser. Stretch yourself. Try new things. Read a book you think you might find difficult or boring. Broaden your horizons, experience things from other peoples’ points of view. Be a Kirby in a world of Marios (huh?).
ok love you bye.
Plugs
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COLD CUTS PRESENTS: THE BIG AMERICAN IMPROV SHOW- Thursday 30 April 7PM @ The Free Association (Southwark)
We sold out our new American all-star improv show last month at The Glitch. Come join us for another hour of corn-fed improv at The Free Association. All proceeds go to the ACLU.