Embracing the Unexpected: My Improv Adventure
In the ever-evolving journey of a musician, there exists a practice that elegantly remains hidden in plain sight – the art of deep listening. As I’ve treaded along my own musical path, I’ve discovered that immersing oneself in the language of music through deliberate, attentive listening is a source of profound growth. Much like a linguist delving into a new language, a musician should forge a connection to the intricate soundscape of their chosen genre.
But what if I told you there’s another secret to unlocking your full potential as a musical theater performer? Enter the world of improvisation – a practice that has completely transformed my artistic journey in ways I never could have imagined.
Diving into the Unknown
In February 2020, I took my first “How to Improvise” class with ImproMafia, and it was like a bolt of lightning struck my creative core. This was the first hobby I had pursued in over a decade that wasn’t directly linked to university credit or resume building, and I became addicted instantly. In the less than two years that followed, I’ve partaken in seven other improv-related courses and have been lucky enough to be given opportunities to perform in some amazing shows, including at Iron Improvisor 2020 and in the Brisbane Anywhere Festival and the Brisbane Comedy Festival in 2021.
Now, as I face an imminent move to Melbourne, I can reflect fondly on the lessons improv has taught me in such a short amount of time. The thought of willingly exploring the dark, sometimes claustrophobic cave of unscripted performance is horrifying to most people. “You don’t know what’s in there,” they’ll say. But to the willing, that is the joy of exploring the unknown.
The Power of Collaboration and Trust
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned on my improv journey is just how essential good teamwork is. Improvisation is an exercise in collaboration and trust. The successful collaboration of the group supersedes any individual talents that might exist on stage. You work to inspire your partners’ imagination, highlight their strengths, and conceal their weaknesses if necessary. It always struck me how much a performer naturally supports the development of a plot just through supporting their peers properly.
In the words of Charles Darwin, “those who have learned to collaborate and improvise have prevailed.” Trust between performers is imperative. Everyone on stage must trust each other to actively listen, watch for visual cues, and respect each other’s boundaries. It’s an ongoing lesson I will continue to work on – being able to sit in an honest moment and ignore the pressure to build an elaborate story or spew hack one-liners instead of exploring a genuine response. Sometimes this can be uncomfortable, but the best lessons often are.
Embracing Failure and Finding Joy
Another lesson I wasn’t quite expecting was the importance of not trying to be funny. Much like a cat recognizing how badly you want its affection, the audience will turn on you when they sense a desperation for comedic validation. While comedy almost always ensues in improv, it’s generally a result of performers telling the truth and their peers providing honest reactions.
Improv requires you to take risks, which means improv requires you to fail. Fail often. Fail spectacularly. Learning to fail is an essential building block of the craft, and perhaps improv is the only platform in life where you will be truly celebrated for dropping the ball without hesitation or shame. In less than 24 months, I went from crying in a corner after suffering complete stage fright following an unexpected request to improvise a song in rehearsal, to being able to belt out an improvised ditty as a very camp, very confident Jesus Christ on stage at the Powerhouse.
On a bad day, and it is inevitable you will have bad days, you’ll end up sweaty and disappointed, wishing you never stepped foot on stage. But on a good day – when a scene works, when all the components come together as if by magic, and something is created that leaves the audience incredulous and wondering, “Was that pre-planned?” – it’s like discovering a cave full of treasure. Truly unexpected euphoria.
Cultivating Confidence and Creativity
Even during the clunkiest of scenes, performers are often saved from looking stupid if it’s clear they’re having fun. Improv requires you to take risks, which means improv requires you to fail. But through this process, I’ve gained an invaluable gift – the confidence to continue my performance journey and beyond that, live life in a way that values collaboration, honesty, and a willingness to take risks.
The mentoring I’ve received through ImproMafia, always characterized by the kindness, patience, and reflective natures of the teachers I’ve worked under, has been truly invaluable. While I don’t yet have any connections in the Melbourne improv scene, and I’m not sure what opportunities I might find in a new city, I’m not stressed. Thankfully these days, at least, I’m much more comfortable not knowing what the f*** is going on.
Embracing the Improv Mindset
As I reflect on my journey with improv, I can’t help but draw parallels to the power of deep listening in the musical realm. Just as a musician must detach from the noise to truly hear the music’s essence, an improv performer must let go of control and embrace the present moment. It’s a practice that requires unwavering focus, trust, and a willingness to follow the unexpected.
In the end, improv has become more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder that the true magic happens when we let go of our need for perfection and open ourselves up to the boundless creativity that lies within. And who knows, maybe one day, you’ll find me on the stage of the Musical Theater Center, improvising my way into the hearts of the audience, one spontaneous moment at a time.
