A while ago (like, over six months ago) I put out a call to the DC improv community asking how improv contributed to their self care. Part of my motivation for picking this particular topic at the time was that I was personally in dire need of some self care. I was working at a job I hated and couldn't see a way out of. I'd just decided to leave WIT's Harold program, … [Read more...] about Improv and Self Care: 8 Thoughts from Improvisers
Improv
How To Do a Better Job Supporting Sobriety in the Improv Community
Last year, I was inspired to take a break from drinking. It wasn’t a decision I came to lightly, but I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and see if I could find new ways to experience joy, happiness, and relaxation. Of course, that also meant doing improv and sketch stone cold sober. No drink reward for writing a page of a sketch. No beer before a performance. To my … [Read more...] about How To Do a Better Job Supporting Sobriety in the Improv Community
Dear Edna: How Can I Regain My Improv Confidence?
Ask and you shall receive great advice from me, Edna von Improv, the oldest living improvisor! Have a question for Auntie Edna? Send me a letter, and I will answer as soon as these old bones allow. Your improv question Dear Edna, I am having a crisis of confidence in improv. I desperately want to get better, but I feel like I’m in a rut. I’m not happy with any moves … [Read more...] about Dear Edna: How Can I Regain My Improv Confidence?
Introducing Dear Edna, an Improv Advice Column
Dear Avid and Casual Readers of Comedic Pursuits, I am writing to you to announce a very exciting regular column called “Dear Edna.” If you have ever had a burning question and you were not sure who to turn to for advice, you may submit your questions to me, and I will post responses on a regular basis! Who should ask for improv advice? Anyone at all can (and should!) … [Read more...] about Introducing Dear Edna, an Improv Advice Column
Pirates, Robots, and Ninjas: The 3 Types of Improvisers
The Pirate, Robot, Ninja Theory describes the behaviors and tendencies of different types of improvisers and originates from UCB performer and actor Billy Merritt. In my experience, bringing up the Pirate, Robot, Ninja Theory tends to elicit eyerolls from most improvisers. But those eyerolls are often immediately followed by impassioned discussions about which type of … [Read more...] about Pirates, Robots, and Ninjas: The 3 Types of Improvisers