There are some things in life that you try just for laughs and giggles, but then you’re suddenly down a wormhole of love and obsession and you’re changed by that one silly thing. That is how I feel about "Teen Wolf" and improv. (I’ll focus on improv for now.) I’ve been performing with improv troupes for three years now, and it’s become incredibly important to me. For me, improv is that thing that keeps me moving through my life. I always want to try something new, play with new people, or learn more.
As with most obsessions, improv has seeped into my everyday life. The things that I apply in scenes, I’ve started to apply throughout my day. Here are some of the most valuable things I have learned from improv.
1. Improv is a team sport.
A good improv troupe hinges on supporting and working well with each other. If there are people in your life that aren’t supporting you, then they shouldn’t be part of your team.
2. Support, support, support.
In improv, you should have enough trust in your group that no matter what you run out and do, they’ll be there to back you up. If you say that you can fly, they’re all there to lift you up. And it’s your job to help your teammates if they need it. You’ve got to be willing to accept help from others.
3. Don’t force conflict, focus on the relationship.
People tend to search for crazy problems in improv scenes to make the story more interesting. But the best scenes come from focusing on the relationship between you and your partner. Instead of getting caught up in annoying little issues with your friends and family, try to eliminate that and remember what’s important about your relationship with that person. You’re not upset because they always miss the trash can, you’re upset because they’re thoughtless about things that you find important.
4. Listen.
Most problems in improv scenes stem from not really paying attention to what is happening around you. Remind yourself to know what’s going on not only with your friends and on campus, but also in the world. I’ll bet you the two old ladies that were knitting in the first scene will end up affecting you somehow.
5. Truth in comedy.
Aliens, spies, and monsters are funny, but the funniest things that happen in improv are based around reality. Life is really funny and weird, so enjoy the humor of it.
6. Yes, and….
Of course, the most well-known of the improv ‘rules.’ In improv ,you don’t negate each other. When someone offers something, you accept it and add on to it. Accept everything you’re given in life and choose to make more of it.
7. Strong, clear choices cause strong, clear reactions.
Your character really likes her job? No, your character loves her job. She eats, sleeps and breathes that place. Wanna know about the menu? The decor? The mints you get on the way out the door? She’s got you. Everybody else that comes on stage will have an obvious opinion about her. Making big choices in life means taking risks. Taking risks can be scary, but you know something is going to change when you do it.
8. You don’t need it, you are enough.
It’s really fun to do impressions or use crazy accents, but you don’t need it. You don’t have to rely on f-bombs or twerking to be funny or entertaining. You are enough. You will make something wonderful and you don’t need any crutches to do it.
9. Poets, artists, and geniuses.
All the people you play with are poets, artists and geniuses. Assume that everything that comes out of the mouths of the people around you is art and brilliance and know that they are more than worthy of your time. Having a good attitude about others keeps you grounded and respectful. And everybody will feel better about you, because who doesn’t want to be treated like a genius?
10. Play.
Once you get past elementary school, you’re too cool to play. You don’t let yourself be loose and free and have fun. Improv is a platform that encourages play, but you have to take that into your life too. I struggle in conversations with people I don’t know well, but when I treat it like an improv scene, I have a lot of fun. You have to remember to have fun in life. Find a sense of play in everything you do.
