Austin Improv

Tonight I had a show where I had decided before the show that I was going to do ridiculous "bad" improv. The show managed to be pretty entertaining even though the scenes by all accounts were not very "good". They were bit heavy and light on emotion/relationship. Lots of talky talky and not a lot of feely feely. However, the show was not by any means a disaster. Moreover, I had a lot of fun being a big impossible to play with douche bag scene destroyer. Also, I believe the audience enjoyed the ride as they continued to laugh at the hijinx throughout the show.


So, its got me to thinking...how much does it help to go into a show with goals in mind? Is it a terrible thing to be in your head thinking to yourself, tonight I need to really commit and play my emotional choices with a strong conviction...or, is it better to enter a show thinking "I am where I am right now, and no amount of telling myself to be better at certain things is going to really cause me to be better"...

Perhaps being aware that you have played characters with a similar energy so in the next scene you should try to mix it up isn't a bad thing, but beyond evaluating choices that have come thus far in a show, how effective is a list of goals for you in a show? Are you better when you go into it knowing what you know, and instead of devoting some mental capacity to trouble shooting you commit entirely to listening and following the fun?

I think I have my own answer, but i'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of others.

*disclaimer* phew, is that a muddled mess of a question? those pitchers of pbr did me well.


dr.butts

i like talking about a show goal beforehand- i might completely forget it when i get on stage, and i certainly don't hold myself to it too hard, but just putting that seed in my brain can help.

Well, Dr. Butts in response to your question.

I find it is best if I have some time alone where I can calm my body and my mind. Some time ago while perusing show footage I noticed that I was entering the stage with a shaky leg. No one else apparently has restless leg syndrome (which i think is a made up disorder), and it really stood out to me that I was fidgeting so much. So, I now have a goal in mind for every show and that is: STAY GROUNDED. I actually have taken to visualizing planting my feet in the ground before shows. Amazingly, I think this actually works for me. I find I am more focused and calm of mind when I go through this activity. I suppose it is a way of quieting the mental noise which allows me to be open to playing and reacting to things around me.

Now I don't know if I actually answered your question.

Dr. Arse

bilbo wrote: Now I don't know if I actually answered your question.

you did

Just to be contradictory, I always find my best shows (be they purely musical or improv). There's something about just being tossed into the fire with neither time to plan, reflect nor set goals that makes my performance more natural and come from my instinct rather than my intellect. It seems I'm better slightly frantic than calm and centered.

To each their own...

Might I suggest ... that performing in a show is not about you, at all. You are there simply to serve the creative gods, ready to respond to the situations at hand using the instrument (mind/body/spirit) that you have crafted through prior study and practice. The work has already been done. It is time to be calmly alert, aware, open. Let the characters that you create have goals, aspirations, motives and intentions out the wazoo, and all will be well.

Kathy Rose Center wrote:Might I suggest ... that performing in a show is not about you, at all.

THANK you.