So, I've auditioned for a troupe...

[booksherpa]

The troupe I've taken a bunch of classes from held open auditions tonight. I wasn't going to go for reasons that make no earthly sense to me now. My husband, when I asked his opinion, thought for a moment and then strongly encouraged me to go. When I asked why, he smiled and said "Say yes!"

And I did, and I had fun, and I think I did okay. I won't know for a few days, but still. I auditioned for an improv troupe tonight. WHEEEEEEEEEEE!

Oh, and I swear I went last or next to last in every game/example/torture and it was *nervewracking* waiting. Especially this one where I had to be an expert on EVERYTHING, and the 7 troupe members were shooting questions at me about everything under the sun, and I had to convince them I knew what I was talking about. That was fun, though. Being the on the spot person is fun as hell and kind of scary and fun because it's scary.

I think I'm giddy.

[jillybee72]

You did it! WHEEE!!!

[ratliff]

YES! When you're first starting out, it's almost impossible to avoid putting too much importance on the EVENTS of improv, like auditions and shows, because each individual milestone represents such a large percentage of your experience to date. But the more you say yes and just dive in, the less important any one event will seem, because they all become part of a much larger process. And once you realize that every single event is just a snapshot of where you happen to be in your improv right that second, it takes a lot of the pressure off. You don't have to produce a definitive summation of everything you've achieved up to that point; you just have to be as present as you can and do your best. Sometimes that will lead to the desired result (good show, successful audition), and sometimes it won't, and BOTH OF THOSE THINGS ARE COMPLETELY OKAY. Because you showed up and did your best, and tomorrow you're going to do the same thing, and that's all you can ever do. Congratulations!

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

fantastic! regardless of the outcome, auditions are great experiences in and of themselves. i always like to treat them as a bit of a self-diagnostic. afterwards, i think about what i did well and what could probably use some work. and then if they like me well enough to cast me, well then, all the better. keep it up!

[happywaffle]

Sweet! Who is this, out of curiosity?

[shando]

YES! When you're first starting out, it's almost impossible to avoid putting too much importance on the EVENTS of improv, like auditions and shows, because each individual milestone represents such a large percentage of your experience to date. But the more you say yes and just dive in, the less important any one event will seem, because they all become part of a much larger process. And once you realize that every single event is just a snapshot of where you happen to be in your improv right that second, it takes a lot of the pressure off. You don't have to produce a definitive summation of everything you've achieved up to that point; you just have to be as present as you can and do your best. Sometimes that will lead to the desired result (good show, successful audition), and sometimes it won't, and BOTH OF THOSE THINGS ARE COMPLETELY OKAY. Because you showed up and did your best, and tomorrow you're going to do the same thing, and that's all you can ever do. Congratulations!

Wisdom and truth.

[booksherpa]

Sweet! Who is this, out of curiosity?

The fine folks at Death By Improv (http://deathbyimprov.com/) in Central NJ.

So, they got back to people sooner than I thought. I did not make the troupe, but was invited to participate in a long form project! It will be directed by the teacher I've been working with, include auditioners and troupe members, and perform in a few months. I've done only short form, but have wanted to start to learn long form. This is a perfect outcome, as far as I'm concerned!

[happywaffle]

I actually meant who are YOU But your response answered my question anyway—our friend in Jersey. Mazel tov!

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

congrats! longform improv changed my life, so welcome to the fold.