How do I get taken seriously as an improviser?

[DollarBill]

My advice would be to relax. I've found that the solution to almost all things, ever, starts with relaxing.

I know this is gonna sound weird... If you've never seen "the dog whisperer" on the national geographic channel. You should watch it. This guy uses "calm assertive" energy to control his pack of dogs. It's EXACTLY what works on audiences too. Tense people just aren't as likely to laugh or enjoy themselves in a show. The audience is relaxed if you tell them it's okay to be relaxed by projecting your calm, in-control persona.

I have seen people in workshops and classes who have never improvised before, but they project this relaxed, in-control style. They just seem "ahead" of the rest of the pack. They may have some bad habits, like gagging, or denying, or whatever, but they're just more "watchable" than people who have studied improv for year yet lack that calm stage presence.

At least that's what I think.

[TexasImprovMassacre]

when you say everyone it hurts let's rock's feelings.

[Jastroch]

etc...

ditto Asaf and Dave, re: MS.

I'm late coming to this, but *I* removed you from MS not because of your emotional problems (if that were the case, I'd be out of ColdTowne ten fold) but because you weren't able to commit to the troupe, were consistently late,, ditched rehearsal to go the jam and an audition for another troupe (on seperate occaisions), left to get a soda during a run through, etc.. etc... etc...

[TexasImprovMassacre]

Also, you need to add another answer to the quiz.


"no, but i've experienced it".

[mdalonzo]

Listen, I don't live in Austin, you've never heard of me, and we've never met, so I understand that my credibility in this instance isn't what it could be, but, after reading this whole thread, I feel like I can contribute.

Respect is not asked for, it is earned. This reminds me of a story that a friend of mine once told in which a mutual friend decided she wanted to be a Broadway actress. Now, she had the talent to do whatever she wanted with her life, but after making the decision, she didn't go to auditions, didn't seek out an agent, etc.

It was then that the first friend gave her one of the most valuable pieces of advice I've ever heard. "You don't want to be an actor," he said, "You want to be a star."

Sounds like you're a young guy with some talent, and also some misplaced energy. If you are into this for the limelight or the respect, I promise you it will be a very disappointing and difficult journey. Learn to love the craft, and it won't matter if you're onstage doing shows or in a workshop, because it will become the thing you do that you enjoy more than breathing.

I say this because you need to let yourself off the hook. This speaks to me of a great deal of time spent wondering why people don't like or respect you more. TRUST ME when I tell you that line of thinking will get you nowhere.

I hope this helps.

[spantell]

I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and caring that went into these responses.

And all from guys. Wow.

I hope David appreciates it.


- Susan

[Spaztique]

I hope David appreciates it.

I do appreciate everything everyone is saying. It's really eye-opening and it's helped me pin down a lot of my problems. Thanks a loads to everyone who posted.

Also Mike D, I think we have met before during the Out Of Bounds festival when you rocked the house with One Night Band. And I saw when you performed with PGraph and the Available Cupholders at Coldtowne that one time.

[York99]

you need to let yourself off the hook.

Mike D is very very wise.