Improv Specialty Night

One of the incredible things about Held2gether improv classes in Long Beach is that Darren takes the time to help each student over their particular hurdles. That's never as obvious as it is in week five of the L2 class, a night we've come to call Specialty Night.

Sometimes we do "against type" exercises, where each student takes on a character that's 180 degrees from their usual characters. Other times, Darren devises specific exercises for each student, addressing his or her weaknesses. People who tend to be flat may get an exercise where they have to have HUGE emotional reactions to mundane information like "The toothpaste is on sale." People who can tend to vomit information (stop pointing your fingers at me; didn't your mother teach you pointing is rude?) may be restricted from saying lines that contain more than 5 words. People who are agenda-driven may have to give up the "and" part of "yes, and" for an exercise in which they have no choice but to go along with the other person's ideas.

It's HARD. Really, really hard. Because you have your tendencies and your go-to's for a reason, and that reason usually has something to do with some sort of insecurity or trust issue or... oh, let's stop sugar-coating it and just call it fear, shall we? But the exercises are designed to give you no choice, and by week 5 everyone in the class is so bonded and connected that you feel safe tackling even your biggest obstacles.

I have seen literally dozens of epiphanies on Specialty Nights over the past couple years. People, stripped of their go-to defense mechanisms, suddenly understand what they've been hiding (or hiding behind) and leap to the next level on their improv learning zig-zag. It's so inspiring to watch.

Naturally, it's time for an improv=real life analogy here. I mean, Darren can't visit all of you and give you an exercise that'll help you overcome your real life obstacles. But you probably have an inkling of what those obstacles are, right? So force yourself to respond differently in those situations. If your go-to is to say no, say yes instead. If you're shy, talk to every single person you encounter today. If you're bossy, ask someone else to take the lead on something - and don't criticize their choices. In other words, make today your very own Specialty Day and see what that does for you.

Personally, I'm going to work on writing a story that contains only 5 words.

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Free Held2gether Improv Show THIS Saturday, Peeps!

Hey, party people!

Okay, that was just lame. Sorry. I was just trying to get your attention so I could remind you that this Saturday is Last Laugh Saturday, which is the show where we take suggestions from you guys and then figure out creative ways to turn them into hilarious scenes involving brothers, Asians, homosexuals or, most likely, homosexual Asian brothers. And those are just the scenes I'm in.

I know, I know. But we have to work with the suggestions we get, and we get "brothers" about 98% of the time.

Anyway, come on out to Hot Java and check us out! It's a great place to bring a date - you'll both be so busy laughing at us, you won't have time to have that awkward conversation about personal space.

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Hookers, the Handicapped and Heart Valves

Only in an improv class can a drinking, smoking, pregnant prostitute NOT be the most inappropriate person present.

There were also the twin brothers who enjoy playing tricks on people and secretly both dated the same unsuspecting handicapped woman with a lisp.

Oh, and the man who buried treasures like corn nuts and shoes in his neighbor's yard so he could dig them up later - you know, when he needed them.

There was the nurse who, despite the fact that he mistakenly pulled out heart valves and inserted IVs into eyeballs, insisted he should be given "permanent status."

And don't overlook the doctor, who worked on commission and needed more bodies to work on.

In case you can't tell from this freakish cast of characters, last night's Held2gether Drop-In Improv class was a hoot. You don't have to miss out on all the fun, you know: the next batch of class starts in a couple weeks. And if you can't commit, no worries! There's a 1/2-Day Intro to Improv Workshop on October 9th. Six weeks of fun crammed into four hours!

By Sonnjea Blackwell

I'm Planning to Give Up Planning

Turns out, the people at Krav Maga classes don't look like Raider fans after all. Just normal people with no knives or chains or biceps the size of my waist. So I lived. My apologies to those of you who were planning your spacework for my funeral. See what happens when you pre-plan?

Which brings me to my topic of the day: pre-planning. Do you love my segues? I like to say segue. It looks like it should be see'goo, not seg'way. Weird.

Right. Pre-planning. You would think having a little plan of your own would help out in improv scenes. I mean, it seems like that would help you avoid being caught with nothing to do or say in a scene.

But much like segue isn't pronounced how it looks (ha! to everyone who just thought I was drunk when I brought up the segue thing), pre-planning doesn't work the way you imagine. Having even the smallest idea, plan or agenda is the surest way to eff up a scene. For one thing, once you have that little idea, it's hard to let go of it, so you feel compelled to work it into the scene whether it really fits or not. B) Having your own agenda makes it difficult or impossible to truly listen to the other person, because you are busy trying to steer the scene towards your planned outcome. And VI: When you have an idea in your head, you've closed off the circuits to the free flow of ideas and information that should come in an improv scene. Like, if I'm already thinking about unicorns, I will tend to think of more things related to unicorns like sparkles or rainbows or pretty ribbons for decorating horns. Ideas about tacos or the stock market probably won't float into my brain, because they don't relate to what's already happening in there.

In improv, it's better to be blank. Then you don't steer the scene - or your own thoughts - in any particular direction. You can listen well, respond appropriately, and be open to all of those little details that pop into your head when you aren't trying to direct it.

Anybody want to try to guess this next see'goo? Yep. Real life. Don't pre-plan so much, peeps! It stifles all that amazing creativity and spontaneity that your brain would love to do if you weren't busy forcing it to plan, well, everything.

Take a chance! Come to a Held2gether 1/2-day Intro to Improv Workshop. If it makes you feel better, you can plan what you're going to wear to it. I'll be the one dressed like a Raider fan.

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Improv In August

OMG, peeps! There is SO MUCH happening in August. I don't want your heads to explode or anything, but I have a lot to tell you.

First, this Friday is the first Friday in August, which means it's August First Fridays in the LBC. Of course, Held2gether will be at Elise's Tea Room, doing our improv-y thing. This month we're calling it Beach Blanket Bixby!

The show is free, as always. Come at 6:30 to chow down on delish scones, finger sandwiches and, in honor of beachy picnics, pigs-in-a-blanket! The show starts at 7:30.

Then, on Sunday, August 14th, we're doing the 1/2-day Intro to Improv Workshop at the EXPO Art Center. This workshop is great for newbies, people who are currently taking the Level 1 or Level 2 classes who want extra practice, or old pros who know you can never get enough improv!

The following Sunday, August 21st, it's our big long form show, Held2gether presents Snow Globes & Shotgun Weddings at the Sky Room Wedding Chapel in Long Beach.

Ten bucks for all the long form-y hilarity you can stand. Get your tickets in advance at the website, and you'll get a ticket for a free drink as well. The show starts at 6:00, so no complaints about it being a school night!

We'd LOVE to see you at all of these things! Check the Held2gether website for more deets on everything, or call the boss with questions.

(Lisa thinks I'm not very subtle, but I didn't even mention my birthday. Which is in August. Sometime.)

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Will You Be My Friend?

Wanna be a better friend? I can help. No, really. I have that kind of power.

Turns out, the characteristics that make a great friend are the same as those that make a great improvisor. I know you keep thinking I'll run out of examples of how life and improv are the same. But no. I'm not the Queen of Information for nothing, peeps. Anyway, even though there's no Intro to Being a Better Friend class, there are plenty of Held2gether Intro to Improv Comedy classes that can teach you all the skills you need to be someone's BFF.

Even if you only want to be someone's good friend or okay friend and not necessarily their best friend, improv can help. See, in improv we want our partners to make eye contact (during those brief moments when they're not mesmerized by our awesome biceps), listen, agree, add information and of course, be committed. And I dunno about you, but those are the same traits I want in a friend. Naturally, good friends won't agree with you if you're being an idiot - say you insist that all people who believe in unicorns are insane. Well, that's clearly not true, and a good friend will not agree with your premise. They will, however, agree with your right to be an idiot.

You may think that once you've learned these improv techniques, they will only apply while you're doing improv. But the awesome thing about improv is that the skills you learn seep over into other areas of your life. That's because you're actually learning new ways of thinking and responding, and your brain doesn't assume those new ways of thinking were only intended for improv scenes. So you'll find yourself having a conversation with someone and actually listening to them, instead of making a list in your head of everything you need to buy at Trader Joe's. You'll realize that you are finding ways to agree with them and support their ideas, instead of defaulting to the tried-and-true, "Well, that's a stupid idea. Nobody wants home fur coloring for their cats." You'll discover that you add information, contributing to the friendship by putting a little more of yourself into it, when you respond to the fur coloring idea with, "You know, maybe you could include a snippet of catnip in the box of fur coloring to attract more buyers." All in all, you'll see that you are more committed in your conversations, your work and, of course, your friendships.

All because you took an improv class. Which, in case I haven't mentioned it, is a totally fun, safe and encouraging way to learn stuff anyway. I mean, there aren't any textbooks or tests or angry nuns with rulers to worry about.

Well, maybe the last one.

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Improv and Wedding Chapels

By Sonnjea Blackwell

I'm effing cranky. No excuse, just woke up in a mood. A little early-morning improv might've helped, but so far there are no Held2gether improv classes at 8:00 on Thursday mornings. One of these days...

So, you wanna know what cheered me right up? This poster for our upcoming long form show!

Look, it's pretty obvious by now that I'm easily amused, so you shouldn't find it surprising how little it takes to make me happy.

Anyway, we have a couple shows before the August long form extravaganza - Last Laugh Saturday on (duh) Saturday, July 23rd. And Beach Blanket Bixby at Elise's Tea Room for August First Fridays on (duh) Friday, August 5th. I'm excited about all of them, but I'm partial to Snow Globes and Shotgun Weddings because the show is going to be in a wedding chapel. With a full bar. I mean, c'mon... how could that not cheer me right up?

You can get your tickets now - all tickets are 10 bucks, but if you purchase in advance you get a free drink. Free. Drink.

I can tell that cheered you right up. You're welcome.

Improv Is Magical

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Okay, this is your last official warning: the Held2gether Intro to Improv Comedy class that starts this Saturday (July 9th, 2011, that is) is thisclose to being full. There are a couple spaces left, but they aren't going to last so hurry up and register at the website so you aren't one of the sad people who missed out.

In case you aren't sure what to expect in an intro to improv class, I'm gonna tell you. Cuz that's just how I roll. First of all, you'll learn the fundamentals of improv, namely agreement, information and commitment. Believe it or not, there are fun games and exercises that help you learn those things while you're just being goofy and having fun... and all of a sudden you think to yourself, "Hey! I learned something even though I was just being goofy and having fun! Weird!"

You'll also learn to help your partner out by adding information, instead of always asking questions. Sure, it sounds easy. But try to go through your day without asking questions. Not so easy after all. One continuing student says that when he learned to make statements instead of asking questions, his wife started liking him more. "Honey, do you want me to take out the trash?" puts the burden on her to say, "Yes, doofus, of course I want you to take out the trash; it's not going to take itself out." But now that he makes it a statement, "Honey, I'm going to take out the trash now," she doesn't have to think up creative names to call him every evening.

Of course, the most important skills you'll learn in the H2g Intro to Improv class are self-confidence and trust. When it's your turn and you and your partner make something hilarious out of absolutely nothing, you learn that you can do pretty much anything. And then you can apply your new-found skills in any area of your life, including with the dozen or so new friends you'll make in class, some of whom will probably end up becoming the best friends you've ever had. Because improv is, when you get right down to it, magical.

And you don't want to miss out on magic, do you?

Free Long Beach Improv Show!

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Hey, I keep forgetting to remind you all that Held2gether presents Last Laugh Saturday is THIS Saturday. See:

Told you. I don't lie about these things.

For the uninitiated, LLS is our free monthly show at Hot Java, where we do an hour of unscripted short-form improv based entirely on the audience's suggestions. Since it's improv, we never know exactly what to expect, but there's a good chance vampires, Westerns and lovers will be suggestions. Maybe we'll take 'em, maybe we won't, although we are especially fond of scenes about vampire lovers in the Wild West.

For you regulars, I just wanted to let you know we're making some changes! Even though it's improv and every scene is always different because it's based on its own unique suggestion, it is possible to get into a rut. I don't know what surprises Darren has up his sleeve, but he's been going around laughing that evil mwahahahahaha laugh for a few days now, so I for one am a little concerned.

The show's at 8 p.m., and it's a good idea to get there a pretty early if you want a good seat. If you want a crappy seat, come whenever.

Held2gether Happenings!

By Sonnjea Blackwell

So much happening... so few brain cells to process it all...

Okay, first things first. We've updated the H2G website and we think you'll approve. And in the next few weeks, we'll be adding pages with more details about our group offerings - corporate workshops, lunch-time stress reducers and H2G parties at your place! If you want one of those awesome things in the meantime, just email us and we'll get you all the deets.

OMG! We finally have video of the last Hot Java show, way back in April! Trust me, it was worth the wait. We'll be posting a video every day at our FB page... but if you're really impatient, you can go right to the source and see a bunch of 'em right now on our YouTube page. (And yes, my shirt does say "Praise the Lard.")

Pretty funny, eh? Well, seeing video isn't as awesome as seeing it live, so come out this Saturday night, peeps! June 25th, 8:00 pm at Hot Java - we're ba-aaack! Need details? Check out the Last Laugh Saturday page!

Can't wait to see you all at Hot Java!

Make It a Statement!

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Okay, I learned some stuff from this interesting Tina Fey interview on NPR that my friend and fellow improv-er, Lisa, sent me.

First of all, in case you weren't aware, Tina Fey is funny. No, really. She should look into a career in comedy.

But some of the more interesting bits weren't about being funny. She talked about how in improv, we learn not to ask questions. Well, some of us learn that. Some of us, not so much. But it is a tenet of improv that you want to make statements rather than ask questions, in order to add information to advance the scene and not put the entire burden of coming up with information on your scene partner. Tina said this was also a good rule for life, especially for women. She noted that younger women in particular tend to be almost apologetic in their normal conversation, and ask things rather than being confident in their knowledge or opinions or whatever and just coming out and stating things. Even statements are often delivered with a question-mark tone at the end of the sentence: This is a great party? Let's go bowling? I like tacos?

Let me just say, I like tacos. And I'm not sorry, either.

But I digress. Shocking. Anyway, as Tina was saying, improv teaches you not to ask questions. But Sonnjea says it teaches much more than that - it also teaches you to be comfortable taking a risk like just saying right out there for everyone to hear: I like tacos! You get braver as a result of improv, and you learn to trust your instincts and be comfortable in the gray area - that zone where you don't know what's going to happen next and you can't plan for it because it depends on what someone else says or does.

Tina said some other cool stuff as well, and I'll probably steal more of it later in the week. But for now I just want to add that, as our name states - boldly - improv is for LIFE. Yeah, it makes for awesome entertainment, but the skills taught at Held2gether improv classes in Long Beach improve and enhance day-to-day life in countless ways, and that's where the real value of improv lies.

You'll notice there was no question mark at the end of that last sentence. Right?

Held2gether On YouTube!

By Sonnjea Blackwell

Hey! I'm back with an actual blog post (as opposed to a video of a freaky orgy). But the whole video thing brings me to my point for today. And yes, it's likely to be the only point I make all stinkin' day. Moving on.

Maybe you're not aware of it, but Held2gether has its own YouTube page. You can visit it any time you need a quick improv fix, or when you want to see girls kissing, or if it's been awhile since you practiced the alphabet. Seriously, our videos are educational and entertaining.

And if you have a favorite player, we can help you out there, as well. (Although if you have a favorite player, I don't want to know about it. It will just make me sad and then I won't write funny posts, and that's not good for any of us). Right. Say you're in the mood to see your favorite Held2gether performer in all of their improv-y glory. Well, then, you can Google that person + videos and get all of their scenes, minus all of everyone else's scenes. There are a couple of exceptions, because certain performers are bashful. No, really. Not everyone is the stage whore that I am. I mean, some of our players aren't even into filming orgy scenes with a dog, a clown and a werewolf. I know, weird.

Anyway, many thanks to Sean Cloutier for suggesting the YouTube tags so we can all be totally famous! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go watch myself.

First Day of School!

In case it escaped your notice, it's a whole new year! So we thought we'd celebrate by offering up a passel of new Held2gether classes starting this week. Cuz, you know, that's just how we roll.

Of course, the original Tuesday night Intro class at El Dorado Park is still happening - tonight at 7:15, as a matter of fact. But that class is full. With a waiting list. Which is awesome, but sad if you were one of the people who didn't get in. So to accommodate the growing demand, we've added a second Intro to Improv Comedy class Saturday mornings at the awesome Catalyst Space in downtown Long Beach. Register at the H2G website. And don't wait this time, because you know what happens!

Improv Comedy Level 2 starts Thursday night at Rec Park. There are still a couple of spaces left for people who have completed the Intro class or who have some improv experience. You know who you are.

We have shows, corporate workshops and all-new classes in the works, so check back often! And have a happy First Day of School, won't you?

We're Back!

Sorry for the little blogging hiatus, we've been swamped with building the new website and putting together some hilarious improv shows for your amusement. But Held2gether.com is up and running, and Jim Beam & A Hundred Dollars is already a fading memory, so we're back and we have news!

Coming up this weekend, you can see Mr. Held2gether himself, Darren Held, performing at Upright Citizen's Brigade in Hollywood! Saturday, November 20th at 5:00 p.m. And on December 12, H2G is putting on a benefit show for St. Mary's C.A.R.E. Program.

We'll be posting videos all week, so be sure to check out the Facebook page too!

Improv Comedy in Long Beach. No, Really!

It's been a busy week for Held2gether. Three new Long Beach improv comedy classes started, we launched this blog, and tonight we're rehearsing* for our next show, Held2gether presents Spiked! coming up next Friday at Elise's Tea Room in Bixby Knolls.

Level 1 and Level 2 classes began again at El Dorado Park West and Recreation Park, respectively. And at EXPO Theatre, the first-ever Held2gether Long Form improv class kicked off on Wednesday. Yay!

*By "rehearsing" I mean we are practicing some games and scenes to hone our skills. We aren't rehearsing the actual performance. C'mon people, improv is improv! Wow, look at the time – I have to go rehearse kissing Delilah. See ya!

Review of Overexposed!

Held2Gether brings art and the community together - Long Beach acting | Examiner.com. By Marlon Deleon.

There is always something to learn, regardless of who you are. One can stop learning if he/she so chooses, but there is an eternal possibility to delve deeper. In an age of child stars performance artists peaking before they are old enough to drink (legally), learning as adults becomes overshadowed by the routine of commuting, working, paying bills, and sleeping. The members of Darren Held’s improvisation group, Held2Gether, have bonded in an educational process and presented their theatrical findings to the public.

Overexposed! was the culmination of an eight-week course involving short-form improvisation techniques and character development. Each of the eight actors wrote original monologues, and in the spirit of perpetual learning about one’s craft created and developed characters for themselves individually, as a team of artists, and for the public’s enjoyment. In the main hall of the EXPO Center in Bixby Knolls, Overexposed! lived up to its name: a pair of worklights were mounted for stage lighting, portable but power-packed speakers filled the great hall with music from a glowing Macbook, and the actors changed scenes and took their marks before the audiences’ eyes in comparable dark. The aforementioned characteristics are far from negative criticisms of this event, they are commendable facets of a professionally production of artists that shared their art with Long Beach. From Sean Cloutier’s monologue “BFF: Bus Friend Forever,” to Jayme Newbold’s Romulan Captain-select in “Abernathy!” the evening was a pleasant communion full of fresh creativity between the artists and the audience.

Although many of the audience members were not familiar with the format of short-form improv shows that thrive on audience suggestions, M.C. Darren Held kept the positive energy rolling introducing each of the artists throughout the night. In contrast to the monologues that were developed over the course of the eight-week class, the actual improvisations occurred in group scenes alternating with the monologues. Viet Hoang, Sonnjea Blackwell, and Andy Arajo were members of an expert panel explaining the direct representation of health care in the popular cartoon world of Popeye. Later on, Jayme Newbold and Sean Cloutier were Sally and Pablo, going out for a night on the town to enjoy the premiere of the new cinematic treat, Chips and Salsa. Viet Hoang was the usher at Pablo and Sally’s theatre, and when he wasn’t hyping the movie up for them, Newbold and Cloutier switched points of view and acted out scenes from the spicy new film.

Every actor was highlighted during the evening, taking their opportunity to showcase the hard work and bold choices that were attempted and refined in the weeks before. A show like this doesn’t come often, but it’s essence of live theatre was as strong, if not moreso than some companies that have noticeable budgets. The men and women of Held2Gether have created something for the people of Long Beach, and we can only hope, for our community’s benefit, that they continue to share their art with us. Their next show, Spiked!, will be at Elise’s Tea Room (map it here) on October 1st at 7pm. Check out their website here for more information or friend them on Facebook!

The players of Held2Gether are: Barbi Allen, Andy Araujo, Sonnjea Blackwell, Sean Cloutier, Viet Hoang, Jayme Newbold, Robert Sapia, and Sheri Scialla. Congratulations and thank you, artists for sharing your theatrical adventure with the Long Beach community.