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Improvisation It is not just for the improvisers

For those not familiar with improvisation, its an incredibly fun exercise in spontaneity. Improv is defined as a performance given without planning or preparation; a creation spoken or written or composed without prior preparation. There’s a misconception that improvising is only for the actors, the improvisers and the spotlight dwellers, but that’s not entirely true. Improvisation is a magical key that can make even the most self-conscious people lose themselves in a moment. Improvisation can provide a spark of laughter and a freeing permission to be silly.

 

As someone who is a “theater person” it never took much for me to get up in front of my fellow classmates and “improv” myself into a living, breathing spectacle of amusement. But, once the hazy adrenalin rush left me, I realized there were other benefits to the art of improvisation. I began to think more quickly on my feet at work; “thinking out of the box” became a more fluid response instead of encountering brain freeze. I became more comfortable with being thrown into unfamiliar or uncommon situations with new people. Improvisation was not just improving my acting skills; it was improving my life skills.

 

Access to improvisation classes can be found, but the key for the “non-professional” improviser is to find opportunities to dive in without the pressure of a classroom situation. One great opportunity I discovered in downtown Providence is a group called BYOI: Bring Your Own Improv (http://bringyourownimprov.com). Here is a low pressure but jam-packed improvising opportunity for audience members to become involved in the onstage fun. BYOI’s site specifically mentions its shows are perfect for all levels of improvisers including the non-experienced. For a newbie in the improv world it’s the perfect place to sit back and observe some very skilled folks do their thing and then get up on your feet and give it a whirl! You can click on the “Shows” tab on the BYOI site to get a list of all upcoming performances.

 

As for classes or workshops, your best options are ones that cater to people that are looking to hone some improvisation skills for real life application. Improvisation is a tool that can be used by teachers to make curriculum and learning more interesting. Businesses can use improv exercies to punch up presentations and encourage team members to think on their feet. Families can use it as a bonding exercise by bringing the funny into their living room, opposed to sitting down in front of the television. There are helpful, easy exercises that can be found both on line and in books to stretch these improvisation muscles. One great book is “Improv 101: Unleash You Creative Spirit” by Craig Zablocki. It’s bursting with over 100 improvisation exercises to get your mind moving and your imagination reeling. You can also visit the BYOI website for show clips of previous performances. This is a great way to get a mental picture of what improvisation looks and feels like for any level improviser.

 

Most importantly, improvisation is about having fun. I recall lists of "rules" when I studied with Upright Citizen's Brigade in New York. These rules are no doubt in place for a reason as its what allows long form and short form improvisation to work most fluidly. But, I find for the person who just wants to give it a whirl and feel the freedom to be silly, don't worry about rules and let your funny fly!