By Sonnjea Blackwell
There have been studies that show playing tennis, for example, in your head actually improves your tennis game. Not as much as practicing with a coach, obviously, but mentally playing games and practicing strategies definitely helps when you go out on the court and face a real-life opponent.
Same with playing a musical instrument. Running through complicated fingering in your head helps you get the notes and chords right when you pick up the sax, or whatever it is you were practicing. I mean, if you were practicing the flute in your mind and then tried to play the trumpet, I don't think it would work. It's not magic, people.
And we've all practiced important speeches, job interviews and what-we're-gonna-say-if-he/she-picks-up-the-phone so that those conversations go more smoothly and don't make you sound as if you're a hyena having a seizure when you laugh nervously at the other person's opening remarks.
So you'd think the same would be true of improv. But no. Practicing improv in your head amounts to pre-planning, which is the antithesis of improv. So it's totally counter-productive. Which is super annoying to people like me who like to over-think and plan things to death... well, maybe "like" is a strong word. After all, I suppose most of us don't actually enjoy our mental illnesses.
Um, hello, tangent. Anyway. My point is this: don't practice improv in your head. Don't play out imaginary scenes. Don't think of clever ideas or opening lines that you just can't wait to shoe-horn into an exercise. Don't think, "Ok, I'm going to be brushing my teeth. And then, no matter what he says, I'm going to say, 'Here's the thing. I've always hated your brand of toothpaste.' Ahahahahaha! That'll be friggin' hilarious." Trust me. It won't.
If you must do improv in your mind, think up names that don't include Sally, Frank, Timmy or Jo-Jo. Come up with interesting locations so you can offer suggestions that haven't been done to death. Tell yourself a story using "Yes, and I" and "Yes, and you" as the beginnings of each sentence. Pretend you're a mouse or a duck or a tractor and figure out what kind of human character that would be. Play zip-zap-zop until you exhaust obscure categories like Australian shellfish or most annoying Christmas gifts.
Then come to a Held2gether improv class and wing it with the rest of us. It's win-win: you don't force pre-planned crap into scenes where it makes no sense, and you give yourself more time to practice your winning American Idol speech in your head. You're welcome.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tired of Being a "Good Girl"
By Sonnjea Blackwell
Have you ever noticed there are fewer women than men in comedy? Not just improv, but comedy in general. It's true. It seems like the same number of women start off in the beginning classes, but as the classes advance, fewer and fewer women keep pace. At Groundlings, it takes far less time for women on the waiting list for Writing Lab to get there than men, because they keep the classes balanced gender-wise and there are just fewer women at that level. Even in the Held2gether Improv Comedy Troupe there are twice as many men as women.
So what's the deal? Are men naturally funnier than women? Huh, as if! And don't worry, I'm not going to go off on a feminist rant or anything; that's just not how I roll.
But I do think there's something to the relative dearth of women at the highest echelons of comedy. Look at Tina Fey: she's fabulous, brilliant, hilarious and did I mention brilliant? And yet, if she were a man who had accomplished everything she's accomplished, no one would care. Because plenty of men in comedy have achieved her level of success.
Here's my take: In general, girls (even in 2011) are more conditioned to be pleasers. As a gender, we don't take the risks that men take. We don't feel as free to say whatever's on our minds. We drink beer... but we don't belch. If we had balls, we still wouldn't scratch 'em all the time. There's still some ingrained "Good Girl" nonsense that keeps us from going all-out and being fearless and just not giving a fuck. We don't want to look foolish or inappropriate. We want to please everyone. We want to do it right.
If we're me, we want to do it right the very first time and if we don't, we don't want to do it again. Like the time I tried to roller skate on my fifth birthday. But I digress.
In improv, I hold back A LOT... without even realizing it. I'll think I look furious as a character in a scene, and Darren will say I look mildly irritated. "Loud" for me is quieter than a normal speaking voice for the guys. I don't do raunchy or over-sexed or brash or inappropriate - because it's not appropriate to be raunchy or over-sexed or brash or, um, inappropriate.
Which isn't to say there are no women who do those things. There are. But not nearly enough. I'm getting better, but it's slow going even in classes that are as encouraging and supportive as Held2gether improv classes in Long Beach. I know I'm not the only one out there, so if you're a woman and you are sick and tired of the Good Girl label, come take an H2G improv class and learn to be completely inappropriate with me. After class, I'll buy you a beer and we can practice our belching.
Have you ever noticed there are fewer women than men in comedy? Not just improv, but comedy in general. It's true. It seems like the same number of women start off in the beginning classes, but as the classes advance, fewer and fewer women keep pace. At Groundlings, it takes far less time for women on the waiting list for Writing Lab to get there than men, because they keep the classes balanced gender-wise and there are just fewer women at that level. Even in the Held2gether Improv Comedy Troupe there are twice as many men as women.
So what's the deal? Are men naturally funnier than women? Huh, as if! And don't worry, I'm not going to go off on a feminist rant or anything; that's just not how I roll.
But I do think there's something to the relative dearth of women at the highest echelons of comedy. Look at Tina Fey: she's fabulous, brilliant, hilarious and did I mention brilliant? And yet, if she were a man who had accomplished everything she's accomplished, no one would care. Because plenty of men in comedy have achieved her level of success.
Here's my take: In general, girls (even in 2011) are more conditioned to be pleasers. As a gender, we don't take the risks that men take. We don't feel as free to say whatever's on our minds. We drink beer... but we don't belch. If we had balls, we still wouldn't scratch 'em all the time. There's still some ingrained "Good Girl" nonsense that keeps us from going all-out and being fearless and just not giving a fuck. We don't want to look foolish or inappropriate. We want to please everyone. We want to do it right.
If we're me, we want to do it right the very first time and if we don't, we don't want to do it again. Like the time I tried to roller skate on my fifth birthday. But I digress.
In improv, I hold back A LOT... without even realizing it. I'll think I look furious as a character in a scene, and Darren will say I look mildly irritated. "Loud" for me is quieter than a normal speaking voice for the guys. I don't do raunchy or over-sexed or brash or inappropriate - because it's not appropriate to be raunchy or over-sexed or brash or, um, inappropriate.
Which isn't to say there are no women who do those things. There are. But not nearly enough. I'm getting better, but it's slow going even in classes that are as encouraging and supportive as Held2gether improv classes in Long Beach. I know I'm not the only one out there, so if you're a woman and you are sick and tired of the Good Girl label, come take an H2G improv class and learn to be completely inappropriate with me. After class, I'll buy you a beer and we can practice our belching.
Monday, June 13, 2011
What I Learned At Improv Yesterday
By Sonnjea Blackwell
I crashed the Held2gether Intro to Improv 1/2-day Workshop yesterday, and it was so inspiring! Most of the people had zero improv experience, zero acting experience and zero idea what to expect. There were a few exceptions, and it was fun to see them as well. But I was blown away by the all-out commitment and fearlessness the new folks showed in a difficult, sink-or-swim sort of intensive class. Everyone had a great time, and many of the first timers signed up on the spot for an H2G six-week class.
Wait! Don't get pissy, I'm not just being an annoying H2G cheerleader. I actually have a point. And anyway, I lost my pom-poms.
My point was: I learn SO MUCH from classes of beginners. I don't know if there will ever be a point at which I know so much about improv that I can't learn from an intro class, but I know if there is, I'm nowhere near it. Sure, I know it's important to "yes, and" everything and add information and commit. But I can still get in line for an add info line-up and freak out because I can't think of any space work to do. Surely I must do more every day than cry while typing? I mean, I probably cry while washing dishes, or while painting my nails or maybe while paying bills, right? I know lots of people, but there's still a good chance I'll call my scene partner Frank. And it's a safe bet that if I get confused in a scene I will start an argument.
And then I think, wait! I've been doing this for two years. Look at these people who just jumped into the deep end with no experience and are giving it their all. It would take an amazing amount of arrogance to think that I can't learn anything from them - and even I don't have that kind of arrogance! Some people are obviously terrified, and yet they keep on going, totally enthusiastically, trying over and over to get something right without getting dejected. They haven't been doing it long enough to have decided, "Well, I suck at characters, so I'm never going to be as good at them as [insert favorite H2G troupe member's name here]" so it doesn't occur to them to give up.
Anyway, that's what I learned at improv class yesterday. What I learned at improv class today is that "I suck at characters, so I'm never going to be as good at them as [insert name of virtually anyone reading this blog]." But fortunately, I learned from the beginners yesterday, so I didn't give up. I just called my scene partner Frank, started an argument and pretended to cry while circling ads in the newspaper. Hey, it's progress.
I crashed the Held2gether Intro to Improv 1/2-day Workshop yesterday, and it was so inspiring! Most of the people had zero improv experience, zero acting experience and zero idea what to expect. There were a few exceptions, and it was fun to see them as well. But I was blown away by the all-out commitment and fearlessness the new folks showed in a difficult, sink-or-swim sort of intensive class. Everyone had a great time, and many of the first timers signed up on the spot for an H2G six-week class.
Wait! Don't get pissy, I'm not just being an annoying H2G cheerleader. I actually have a point. And anyway, I lost my pom-poms.
My point was: I learn SO MUCH from classes of beginners. I don't know if there will ever be a point at which I know so much about improv that I can't learn from an intro class, but I know if there is, I'm nowhere near it. Sure, I know it's important to "yes, and" everything and add information and commit. But I can still get in line for an add info line-up and freak out because I can't think of any space work to do. Surely I must do more every day than cry while typing? I mean, I probably cry while washing dishes, or while painting my nails or maybe while paying bills, right? I know lots of people, but there's still a good chance I'll call my scene partner Frank. And it's a safe bet that if I get confused in a scene I will start an argument.
And then I think, wait! I've been doing this for two years. Look at these people who just jumped into the deep end with no experience and are giving it their all. It would take an amazing amount of arrogance to think that I can't learn anything from them - and even I don't have that kind of arrogance! Some people are obviously terrified, and yet they keep on going, totally enthusiastically, trying over and over to get something right without getting dejected. They haven't been doing it long enough to have decided, "Well, I suck at characters, so I'm never going to be as good at them as [insert favorite H2G troupe member's name here]" so it doesn't occur to them to give up.
Anyway, that's what I learned at improv class yesterday. What I learned at improv class today is that "I suck at characters, so I'm never going to be as good at them as [insert name of virtually anyone reading this blog]." But fortunately, I learned from the beginners yesterday, so I didn't give up. I just called my scene partner Frank, started an argument and pretended to cry while circling ads in the newspaper. Hey, it's progress.
Friday, June 10, 2011
New Held2gether Improv Classes Starting Soon!
By Sonnjea Blackwell
Holy guacamole! It's that time again... a whole new round of Held2gether improv classes is starting up in the next week or two. There's Intro to Improv Comedy, Improv Comedy Level 2 and Long Form Improv. And this weekend is the June 1/2-day Intro to Improv Intensive, which is totally sold out. You see what happens when you dilly-dally? I try to give you plenty of notice so you don't miss out on things, peeps, but I can't come over to your house and click on the links and sign up for you. You really have to do some things yourself.
What I can do for you is give you the run-down on the classes so you know what's what. In case you haven't noticed, that's what I do. Cuz I'm a giver.
So. Intro to Improv Comedy is, as the name cleverly implies, an introductory class to improv comedy. In the Intro class, Darren covers the basics - agreement, commitment and information - in a bunch of really fun improv games and exercises. It's designed for people who haven't taken improv before, or people who have taken improv a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, or people who have taken improv at other improv schools. All the "big" improv schools have their own methods and just because you've completed 87 classes at 2nd City or UCB doesn't mean you know the basics of the H2G format (which is essentially Groundlings-based), so rather than be frustrated in the Level 2 class, it's usually best to take the Intro just to get the H2G style down pat.
Lots of people just hang out in the level one class forever because it's so much fun. Unlike improv schools elsewhere, there is no pressure to "move up or get out."
One more thing: no acting experience is required, and most of your fellow students will have none either. Having said that, improv is not stand-up, and you will be playing characters in games and scenes. Don't freak out! It's fun!
Improv Comedy Level 2 is the intermediate Held2gether improv class. After taking Level 1 a few times, you'll probably be ready for Level 2. Darren will let you know when he thinks you're ready for the big times! The Level 2 class focuses on strong characters and building relationships in scenes and exercises. It's a big leap from the Intro class, but there are plenty of people who take Level 2 over and over as well, and they will be delighted to help you out and make you feel at home.
Long Form Improv is a whole different ball of worms. It's by invitation/instructor permission only, and it's getting into the more advanced areas of improv to create a 30-minute long, totally improvised "play." It's hilarious! And totally worth the work it takes to get to this level!
1/2-day Intro to Improv Comedy Workshop is, well, a half-day intro to improv comedy workshop. Are these names fabulous or what? Anyway, in four hours you'll get an intensive intro to improv and you'll be doing scenes by the end of the day! It's a hoot!
You can sign up at the website. If you have any questions about the classes or which one would be right for you, email Darren. He'll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. Cuz, you know, he's a giver too.
Holy guacamole! It's that time again... a whole new round of Held2gether improv classes is starting up in the next week or two. There's Intro to Improv Comedy, Improv Comedy Level 2 and Long Form Improv. And this weekend is the June 1/2-day Intro to Improv Intensive, which is totally sold out. You see what happens when you dilly-dally? I try to give you plenty of notice so you don't miss out on things, peeps, but I can't come over to your house and click on the links and sign up for you. You really have to do some things yourself.
What I can do for you is give you the run-down on the classes so you know what's what. In case you haven't noticed, that's what I do. Cuz I'm a giver.
So. Intro to Improv Comedy is, as the name cleverly implies, an introductory class to improv comedy. In the Intro class, Darren covers the basics - agreement, commitment and information - in a bunch of really fun improv games and exercises. It's designed for people who haven't taken improv before, or people who have taken improv a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, or people who have taken improv at other improv schools. All the "big" improv schools have their own methods and just because you've completed 87 classes at 2nd City or UCB doesn't mean you know the basics of the H2G format (which is essentially Groundlings-based), so rather than be frustrated in the Level 2 class, it's usually best to take the Intro just to get the H2G style down pat.
Lots of people just hang out in the level one class forever because it's so much fun. Unlike improv schools elsewhere, there is no pressure to "move up or get out."
One more thing: no acting experience is required, and most of your fellow students will have none either. Having said that, improv is not stand-up, and you will be playing characters in games and scenes. Don't freak out! It's fun!
Improv Comedy Level 2 is the intermediate Held2gether improv class. After taking Level 1 a few times, you'll probably be ready for Level 2. Darren will let you know when he thinks you're ready for the big times! The Level 2 class focuses on strong characters and building relationships in scenes and exercises. It's a big leap from the Intro class, but there are plenty of people who take Level 2 over and over as well, and they will be delighted to help you out and make you feel at home.
Long Form Improv is a whole different ball of worms. It's by invitation/instructor permission only, and it's getting into the more advanced areas of improv to create a 30-minute long, totally improvised "play." It's hilarious! And totally worth the work it takes to get to this level!
1/2-day Intro to Improv Comedy Workshop is, well, a half-day intro to improv comedy workshop. Are these names fabulous or what? Anyway, in four hours you'll get an intensive intro to improv and you'll be doing scenes by the end of the day! It's a hoot!
You can sign up at the website. If you have any questions about the classes or which one would be right for you, email Darren. He'll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. Cuz, you know, he's a giver too.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What a Character!
By Sonnjea Blackwell
I was talking with Lisa yesterday (and by "talking" I mean "texting," which is how people "talk" in the 21st century) about a scene we did at Wait Till Your Father Gets Home that didn't work. We knew why it didn't work... we probably even knew at the time why it wasn't working. But sometimes knowing what's wrong and knowing how to fix it in the moment don't exactly go hand in hand.
All three of us in the scene were waiting for one of the others to take the lead, because all three of us got confused by a suggestion and went right into our heads, wondering, "Are we men? Are we gay? Is this Shakespeare? Is it almost time to drink? Where did I leave Koji's leash, anyway?" Or, you know, some of us may have been thinking some of those things.
Now, if you don't know what's going on, it's perfectly fine - preferred, in fact - to take your time at the top of the scene to connect with your scene partners and just figure out what page you're all on. We learn that in Held2gether Intro to Improv class. The thing is, though, (and Darren will be so proud that I'm finally understanding this), YOU probably won't have the answer... because you are most likely not a gay Shakespearean man. So even though you don't know what the heck's going on, you make an instant choice and take on a character and DO something as that character while you're making eye contact with your partners.
Then magic things happen, and your character knows what's going on and what to do. I won't have to spew information as Sonnjea because Romeo will get angry or happy or sad while pulling petals off a flower, or chopping wood, or throwing beer at Ralph.
We forgot that part. Eh, it happens. The whole character thing is tough for us regular non-actor-y improvisor folks. That's why it's so awesome that there are H2G classes and shows happening all the time, so we can keep practicing being gay Shakespearean men until we get it right. Come out and play with us! New classes are starting in a couple weeks!
I was talking with Lisa yesterday (and by "talking" I mean "texting," which is how people "talk" in the 21st century) about a scene we did at Wait Till Your Father Gets Home that didn't work. We knew why it didn't work... we probably even knew at the time why it wasn't working. But sometimes knowing what's wrong and knowing how to fix it in the moment don't exactly go hand in hand.
All three of us in the scene were waiting for one of the others to take the lead, because all three of us got confused by a suggestion and went right into our heads, wondering, "Are we men? Are we gay? Is this Shakespeare? Is it almost time to drink? Where did I leave Koji's leash, anyway?" Or, you know, some of us may have been thinking some of those things.
Now, if you don't know what's going on, it's perfectly fine - preferred, in fact - to take your time at the top of the scene to connect with your scene partners and just figure out what page you're all on. We learn that in Held2gether Intro to Improv class. The thing is, though, (and Darren will be so proud that I'm finally understanding this), YOU probably won't have the answer... because you are most likely not a gay Shakespearean man. So even though you don't know what the heck's going on, you make an instant choice and take on a character and DO something as that character while you're making eye contact with your partners.
Then magic things happen, and your character knows what's going on and what to do. I won't have to spew information as Sonnjea because Romeo will get angry or happy or sad while pulling petals off a flower, or chopping wood, or throwing beer at Ralph.
We forgot that part. Eh, it happens. The whole character thing is tough for us regular non-actor-y improvisor folks. That's why it's so awesome that there are H2G classes and shows happening all the time, so we can keep practicing being gay Shakespearean men until we get it right. Come out and play with us! New classes are starting in a couple weeks!
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