4 ms·

I keep seeing anecdotes about the unreasonable effectiveness of improv. Many people say it’s in the top 2 or 3 subjects they’ve studied and learned, regardless

I keep seeing anecdotes about the unreasonable effectiveness of improv. Many people say it’s in the top 2 or 3 subjects they’ve studied and learned, regardless of their background/profession. Maybe it’s time to look into studying it myself, I’d be happy if people shared any recs on how to get started.

Spooky23 8y ago
You really should. I got schnookered into joining a drama club in high school and it was probably one of the best school experiences that I ever had. The ability to stand in front of a big room and not be anxious was both liberating to me and profoundly useful. I cannot even imagine the opportunity that I would have missed had I not had that confidence. As a side benefit, it’s alot of fun, I wish I had kept it up!
- ddingus 8y ago
  Same. Great experience. Same with music. The performance arts can crack an awful lot of inhibitions.
- gowld 8y ago
  snookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/snookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/snookered vs schnookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/schnookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/schnookered I hope you weren't drunk in high school. Would a drama club allow alochol?
  - Spooky23 8y ago
    Try urban dictionary.
    - acct1771 8y ago
      Try "slewfooted" =]
wpietri 8y ago
You don't mention where you are, and that's key. If you're in a major city, there are many good places. I know Chicago, NYC, LA, and SF have thriving improv communities. I'd say check Yelp and see what you have around you. Depending on your personality, I'd either look for a structured program (e.g., Improv Olympic in Chicago has 6 levels that are 8 weeks each) or a place that has drop-in classes that are open to beginners. The former is nicely structured, and an intro class will be full of people who are novices like yourself. The latter will be more freeform, but it lets you try it out without commitment and see what more experienced performers are like. You should also think a little about where you want to go with it. Some improv is more in the direction of creating longer narratives. Some is very focused on skit creation. Some of it is very game-like. [1] If one of those resonates with you, it may be worth seeking out. If not, I'd say just take a class and see what you think. [1] http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/ http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/
elliekelly 8y ago
Just find a class and sign up! Ideally, if you're near a big city, you can find an improv theater that offers classes. If not, you should check out your local community center or adult education center. Maybe even the local community college (though I suspect that might be the most expensive option).

Spooky23 8y ago

You really should. I got schnookered into joining a drama club in high school and it was probably one of the best school experiences that I ever had. The ability to stand in front of a big room and not be anxious was both liberating to me and profoundly useful. I cannot even imagine the opportunity that I would have missed had I not had that confidence. As a side benefit, it’s alot of fun, I wish I had kept it up!

ddingus 8y ago
Same. Great experience. Same with music. The performance arts can crack an awful lot of inhibitions.
gowld 8y ago
snookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/snookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/snookered vs schnookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/schnookered https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/schnookered I hope you weren't drunk in high school. Would a drama club allow alochol?
- Spooky23 8y ago
  Try urban dictionary.
  - acct1771 8y ago
    Try "slewfooted" =]

wpietri 8y ago

You don't mention where you are, and that's key. If you're in a major city, there are many good places. I know Chicago, NYC, LA, and SF have thriving improv communities. I'd say check Yelp and see what you have around you. Depending on your personality, I'd either look for a structured program (e.g., Improv Olympic in Chicago has 6 levels that are 8 weeks each) or a place that has drop-in classes that are open to beginners. The former is nicely structured, and an intro class will be full of people who are novices like yourself. The latter will be more freeform, but it lets you try it out without commitment and see what more experienced performers are like. You should also think a little about where you want to go with it. Some improv is more in the direction of creating longer narratives. Some is very focused on skit creation. Some of it is very game-like. [1] If one of those resonates with you, it may be worth seeking out. If not, I'd say just take a class and see what you think. [1] http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/ http://improvencyclopedia.org/games/

elliekelly 8y ago

Just find a class and sign up! Ideally, if you're near a big city, you can find an improv theater that offers classes. If not, you should check out your local community center or adult education center. Maybe even the local community college (though I suspect that might be the most expensive option).