nicole stuff

improv-is-easy:

On which thing? Never doing a scene you don’t want to be in?

SHORT ANSWER: Conversely, that means only doing scenes that you like. So make choices that you’re psyched about playing. 

LONG ANSWER: I’ve heard instructors say to make choices that have high stakes or high emotion, and I always say choose something you like. That’s the only “right” move, as far as I’m concerned. It’s your scene, why choose the option you hate?

An example? OK.

My character was said to be a domineering, controlling boyfriend. I don’t like playing roles like that* - it rubs me the wrong way and I’ve seen too many similar scenes veer off into really unpleasant places - so I chose to make my character controlling in ways that I thought were funny, like, “Cheyenne, sit down and let me braid your hair. Oh, I hope you don’t got plans for Thanksgiving, because I signed us up to volunteer at the hospital. I hear Gudger College loves volunteers, and that’s where we’re both going next year.”

Maybe you had to be there, but it was very fun for Eric (as Cheyenne) and myself and funny for everyone who saw it. So there, potential “abusive boyfriend” scene done in a way that we enjoyed.

* During your improv journey, you’ll have to play a lot of less-than-fun characters and be in unpleasant situations. It happens! So play it in a way that you find enjoyable, and the scene will be easy!

Oh - I really like this! I’m big on improvisers being the boss of their scenes. If you’re saying yes and being present, you’re afforded a lot of freedom after that point. Kirk presents it perfectly.