Eight weeks ago, I started Improv 101 at the Upright Citizens’ Brigade (UCB). I was hooked from about an hour into my first class, even though I still suspect that it’s a cult.
Since then, I’ve looked forward to Friday every week (even more than usual).
Our teacher, David Siegel is a genius. He’s a stickler for the rules (and there are a lot of them). He’s been tough on us even though we were only a 101 class. And I’ve appreciated every note he’s given me.
Saturday afternoon, we had our graduation show at the UCB East theatre. I wasn’t nervous until Saturday morning. I managed to calm my nerves, but then I got to the theatre and saw how nervous everyone else was. Still, right before my group went on stage, when everyone else was taking deep breaths (which made me more nervous), I managed to clear my head and just do it.
And the show was awesome. Not awesome in a seasoned performer kind of way, but super awesome for a 101 class. And I felt that I gave as good a performance on stage in front of people as I ever did in class, and that’s all I can ask for.
curtain call for the world’s best improv 101 class
I am front and center in the brown boots
(courtesy of my friend Justine)
So, on to 201! Can’t stop me now that I’m a star.
Now, the majority of you are going to shut this idea down immediately, but seriously, for your own good: take Improv 101. Your hometown has a class. People have been telling me to take it for years, and I’ve been afraid of being embarrassed. Now I just wish I had taken it years ago.
Check out more Project Optimism posts by me or by other bloggers.
My hat’s off to you. Just thinking of it makes me tremble. When I was a teenager, my mother made me take an acting summer camp, where we did a lot of improv. As an introvert with absolutely no acting talent, I dreaded going in every day. I was so relieved when it was over (and I’m sure the teacher was, too…). Thank goodness for people like you. I love watching others do it. I just don’t want to do it myself.
Lol it’s funny because I said the exact same thing when I first started. I have bad memories of theater camp and being put on the spot in the name of improv. But this is a little different because it’s long-from improv and they don’t put you on the spot like that. That said, I won’t pressure you into reliving your childhood trauma.
Phew!
Good for you!! Definitely an optimistic Monday!
Thanks Steph!
Now if we can just keep it going…
Congrats! It’s hard to get into those classes. You did it!
Thanks Myra
Yeah, it’s crazy. You have to check the message boards the night before and then be ready to go when they go online, like concert tickets. I tried to get into a 201 class yesterday and it sold out in 30 seconds. The Friday night classes seem to be easier to get though (lucky for me, I don’t otherwise have a life).
Nice job! Now you better remember all of us little people when you become the next Tina Fey!
Phil
http://www.blog.theregularguynyc.com
From your lips…
I would expect nothing less!
Thanks babe