I decided that it was time to write it all down. The quick decisions, the mistakes, the “Oh-my-God,-that-freakin’-makes-sense-now” moments, the audience stamp of approval and the complete silence on stage.
These split seconds all add up to create practices and shows that usually blows peoples’ minds. Why?
Because these actions, these exchanges of dialogue are completely made up on the spot. I have to admit that when I first witnessed a short-form Theatre Strike Force improv show last summer, I was completely floored. It was my first taste of the art, and the performers looked like wizards.
Shortly after, I decided to take an improv class, and on the first day, I felt like throwing up all over myself. My original goal was to get completely over my fear of public speaking (which I did…fast), but that goal soon transformed into something more.
Goals are something I really want to focus on in this blog. Goals of individual improvisers, goals in scenes, goals for improv troupes. I want to interview members of the Gainesville improv community and figure out what it takes to develop a scene, ridiculous or real. What works? What doesn’t?
I hope to share those wacky epiphanies with all of you, whether you’re a skilled improviser or just curious about the craft. And I’ll tell it to you straight.
