Comments on: 10 things improvisors should do besides improvise

By: Nate Smith

Nate Smith — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 14:56:54 +0000

This is a great post. I recently had a baby and so my time spent improvising has been greatly diminished. But I have been experiencing all sorts of new things and learning new skills (I may hold the record for speed diaper changing in the state of Oregon). Also I’ve been writing every day about this experience at improvisingfatherhood.com. As a result when I do get out to do a show, even though I have not practiced with my group in months, I tend to have pretty great shows. I think this is because of all the other things I am doing besides improvising.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:59:33 +0000

Beautiful! Every improvisor should look at this. Thank you!

By: diamond dave

diamond dave — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:14:44 +0000

gottagive props to #8 – #10

By: dunford

dunford — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:46:22 +0000

I love this list. All I would add is that improvisors should take more time to interact with the world around them. As an ex-improvisor out in the world, I can say that we need more creative improv types in daily life…

By: Jose Gonzalez

Jose Gonzalez — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:40:45 +0000

Hey, Kevin!

This is a great list for improvisors to explore the world outside of improv (which can become all-consuming).

I really love #2* – catching theatre, music, and live cultural & performance events around you helps support other artists who are passionate about what they do. I just don’t get how some folks expect people to come out to their shows when they never take the time to catch anyone else’s show.

Also, catching these shows and events can give people the opportunity to meet and connect with the types of folks who actually go out and support theatre, music, and the arts. If someone’s willing to take a chance on a local indie band, they’ll probably be willing to check out your improv show. (It helps if you have flyers on hand or can comp them, too.)

I think that a lot of the things mentioned on the list are ultimately about knowing yourself and other people better. Challenging yourself to learn new things and have new experiences helps stretch those learning muscles and broadens our boundaries. Delving into great works of art, literature, and film and keeping up on news helps give us some insight into people and the human condition.

All great things.

Thanks, Kevin.

*P.S. As Miles says, “poop is always funny.”