Last night I tried improv for the first time... with a little help from some liquid courage.
I wasn't on a stage or in a theatre with an audience but, I was in a living room with a bunch of people that I now call my friends. They all work and/or perform at the SLO Little Theatre. My three other housemates perform/tech/manage at the theatre and I have slowly been invited into their circle of fun friends. My roommate came home the other night, after the Halloween party I went to with my housemates, and she told me, "They are having improv tomorrow night and everyone wanted me to tell you that you should come. They said they think you're quick and they'd love to have you." I thought that was super sweet and I was flattered! I had to at least show up and give it a try. I was curious to see what it would be like.
When I arrived I quickly guzzled down a few Newcastle's and waited for everyone to show up. During the improv they all made me feel so comfortable and even though I struggled at times to think quicker, they were so patient and kind to me. The only thing I noticed immediately was that I was far more vulgar than the rest. I held back a little bit and I am glad because it made me think of other ideas, and helped me really tap into a part of my brain I hadn't ever really explored.... you know, that creative side.
When pizza arrived at the end we all sat down, exhausted and pleased. We talked more about the different kinds of improv there is and that what we did was basically just warm ups. I was pleased and a little embarrassed at all the positive feed back everyone gave me on my performance. They said I wasn't scared to get in there and be involved. I thought that was a weird compliment because that's what you're supposed to do, right?! Thhen I remembered this other lady who came and she never once jumped in willingly, she only participated when we had warm ups and games. Then they told me I need to get over my fear of an audience and I should keep coming back. I warned them that when I speak in front of an audience I sound like I am about to cry. Who knows though, maybe they can break this wild horse? Ha!
Before I left we played this game called "The Bitty Game". There is this absolutely sweet, young actress that goes by the nick name Bitty. She is cute, small, and young. She has this innocence about her too. I really like her because she knows who she is and doesn't let outside forces break her. I respect that. Anyways, the Bitty Game: Bitty will ask someone a question and they have to respond honestly. Bitty has this amazing insight and can come up with the most epic, deep questions. People are allowed to ask follow up questions too.
My Bitty Question: If we were to take your cell phone away from you right now, would you have to delete stuff before we could see it? (I had been texting someone)
My Response: Oh! I'm sorry I was texting but, YES. The only reason is because the thing I try to keep to myself is my dating life. I don't feel that is really anyone else's business unless I want it to be.
Follow Up Question: If you were about to die, would you be scared of what your family and friends would find if they went through your stuff/room?
Me: No. I don't think any of the people that truly knew me would really be surprised. I am an open book. I think there would be a few times where my friends would probably see something and say, "Oh Lo...She would..." and probably laugh and roll their eyes but, that isn't anything they don't do already to my face. I try to keep who I am honest. I am not much different behind closed doors. My friends are all different and I feel they respect me for who I am and I respect them for who they are. I may not be perfect; hell, I cuss like a sailor, But I am who I am and I worked really hard to like myself. I used to hate my life and hate who I was. Now I am happy and now people just need to take me for who I am. The relationships I have in my life are all based off respect and respecting our differences; those are the people that will NOT be surprised at what they find in my room.
At the end of my long rant I looked at everyone, they all smiled and nodded their head in agreement.
One guy even said, "If this were Facebook I would thumbs up your answer."
I just smiled and said, "Thank you."
