Theatre, a risk....who knew!

Hello, readers! This week, we here at Improv Playhouse would like to welcome our new intern, Jordan! Check out his first blog post.

Every day I wake up and I have a different thought. Yesterday I thought about what I was going to eat, today about not finishing my homework, and tomorrow it will most likely be about not wanting to get up! Now I am sure that whoever is taking the time to read this is saying, “Well, hey! I’ve had the same thoughts!” And I would have to say, “I’m sure you have.” This is what makes us so unique as the people we’ve become and the people we want to become: aspiring theatre geeks.

Today, Joe Schmo, who lives next door to you, woke up and said, “I’m going to put on my tie, drive to work, take two aspirins, go to lunch, kiss up to the boss, leave at five, come home, eat, watch Law & Order: SVU, then go to bed.” Now this is a daily routine for Joe and his life never changes. That is why Joe makes five figures a year and we only make four. Now don’t get discouraged. That is just how theatre is, a risk; and now let’s divide even theater from improv.

Improv Playhouse prides itself on who they are in the world today with astonishing actors and many years of experience. But what really sets IP apart from the rest of the world? I’d have to say improvisation. Improv builds the best fundamentals for an actor while remaining the most unstructured form of art out there. Structure is something a theatre person has probably never heard of, but it can be good when it comes to keeping organized (and don’t forget obeying the laws). Without structure, you’re actually preparing yourself for any situation life can throw at you. Every day people lose their job, people divorce, cars gets towed, or you are broke and won’t get paid for another two weeks!

The ironic thing about it all is that everything is a risk. Daring to be different is a risk, as director Lloyd Richards once said. “Some risks cost more than others, and I guess those are the ones that you recognize as risks. But all of life is a risk. You try and achieve whatever you as an individual human being can achieve. To make that attempt is a risk. I guess I never decided to take risks with my life, I just had no choice. You take risks, whether they be small ones or whether they be large ones.” So, as I wrap up my first blog entry ever, I hope I have left you with a little something to think about: Life is a risk. Many people don’t ever want to touch on the subject of theatre being a risk, but inevitably you will risk it all in the end. And if you really want to pursue your dream, don’t stop. I am learning now to never give up because "All the world's a stage; all the men and women are merely players."

-Jordan

Quick Improv Games: Alphabet

It seems to us here at Improv Playhouse that despite how old we get, we still have to recite the alphabet in our head to remember the order of it. Why not force yourself to learn it better with a fun improv game: Alphabet!

The premise is easy enough: 2 or 3 people create a scene with a suggestion from the audience, of course--but they also get a letter. This letter must start the first sentence the first person says. Anytime someone else speaks, their sentence must start with the next letter of the alphabet. (Once you reach Z, start at A until you're back to your starting letter.) The scene must be complete by the time the players have come back to the starting letter!

Sounds simple, right? This is trickier than it sounds! For one thing, it's very easy to get caught up in a grocery list:

Player A: "Chocolate!"
Player B: "Danishes are good."
Player A: "Eagle eggs...taste...good...too."
Player B: "For sure."
Audience: *crickets chirp*

It is absolutely crucial in this game, as in all games, to remember your improv basics: create characters, find a conflict, use tactics, and ALWAYS say yes! Don't get distracted by the alphabet, but don't forget about it either. One of the nice parts of this game is that while it's fun to move around and create your space, you can play this on a car trip, at the lunch table, or while taking a test! (Please note that we at Improv Playhouse do not endorse playing improv games instead of taking a test. We just recognize that it's more fun.)

All of our good wishes go with you. Best of luck as you play this game. Can you handle the pressure?

-Allie