Body Hacking for Improv?

[DanC]

They've done brain scans of rappers when they free-style - improvise - and found temporary reduction of neural activity in the prefrontal cortex. Same with jazz musicians.

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain where we self-monitor and edit. (This is probably a simplification, but it's roughly right.)

Too much prefrontal self-editing sounds like what improv comics mean when they talk about struggling with being "in their heads".

Scientists have now found they can put an electric current through the prefrontal cortex with a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation. In a laboratory test, people who got this zap through the brain scored better on a measure of creativity.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archi ... ve/274068/

I see a future where actors with brain implants give themselves a zap before an improv show. Or perhaps we let audience members zap the actors through a smart-phone app. Look for my new product introduction at next year's SXSWi.

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

ooooh, THAT'S why beer helps before a show. you were right, Lampe!

[Spots]

Wait, the self censor has a scientific name?