Anyone who knows me will know that theatre is a huge part of my life. Acting and being on stage is who I am. Getting to shed my own life—my own insecurities and fears and ambitions and dreams—and take on the life of a different character is so amazing. It opens my eyes to the different ways of life and the different struggles that people go through.
However, while the only acting I do is on a stage, I don't just mean major productions with scripts and a huge cast. As fun as those are, I think one of the greatest things I’ve done as an actor is participate in the local improv league here in Vegas.
Improv is an amazing skill for an actor to have. In sticky situations, such as forgetting a line or not knowing what's going on, improv can help bail an actor out. However, for me, improv has truly changed my life.
This league, entitled Jest Serendipity, has given me a home that I didn't truly understand until the league started back up this year. I went to my first competition of the season just recently, and I was amazed by the amount of people who greeted me so warmly. I was hugged so many times by the people I connected with last year and it hit me right then that I had found yet another family.
Beyond that, the lessons I’ve learned while competing in this league are lessons I will take with me for the rest of my life.
This league is a fun time. The games can be described as silly or crazy and everyone, whether you're on stage or in the audience, is constantly laughing. This has created such a warm environment for everyone. It's helped to teach me that it's okay to be silly. It's okay to make a fool of myself. It's okay to just let loose and have fun.
Another big thing is that this league has taught me teamwork. When you're competing, you compete with a team from your school comprised of four people. When you're playing games, you can't just decide to be the center of attention or else the scene doesn't work. Everyone has to have a chance to talk and contribute to the game. This is so important because it's reinforced the lessons that sometimes, it's better to sit back and listen to others than to try and be the one who stands out. It's okay to be quiet for a little bit and let others have the spotlight.
However, the truly biggest lesson I’ve learned is how to think on my feet. This is an improv league, so obviously there's no scripts. It's just your imagination and how you decide to run with a suggestion. This has truly helped my quick thinking skills. It's helped me be able to respond to situations better and stay calm instead of freaking out.
This league has truly changed my life, and I encourage everyone to check it out. Who knows, you might just learn a little.
