Please pardon the temporary appearance of this blog. The formatting isn’t working correctly and we’re in the process of fixing it….
April 24, 2014
What does it mean to improvise mindfully? When I was a novice theater improviser, I was under the impression that the key to creativity in improv was to “free your mind” and say whatever comes flying out of your mouth. This sense of randomness was invigorating — and the key to some of my best scenes. But the longer I stuck around the improv community, the more confused I got. I consistently experienced and witnessed women being endowed as “ditzes,” people of color being cast as 7-Eleven clerks and taxi drivers, and young improvisers playing older people as memory-addled and frail for “the joke.”
In an art form that thrives on subverting the linear mind and diving into the vast creative unknown, what if the first thing that leaves my lips are hurtful stereotypes from my unconscious beliefs and actions, ones that have seeped in through television and movies? It happens to the best of us. I even cast myself in these stereotypical roles. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with some of these characters, when they become our “go to” are we are devaluing ourselves, blocking each other from a deeper creativity and a wider range of characters? Perhaps more significantly, are we hurting and dehumanizing ourselves and each other? I have come to discover that in a diverse group of improvisers, my sense of “creative freedom” can hamper my fellow players’ ability to feel safe and welcome. Perhaps our attachment to being “uncensored” can prevent our improv communities from feeling and being inclusive.
One practice we can apply is what’s called “A to C.” I notice the first thing that pops into my mind. I don’t have to choose it. I have some spaciousness and mindfulness, quickly note the second thing that pops in, and then speak the third. It often makes for more interesting and surprising choices. We have the opportunity to have bold discernment and to “play to the top of our intelligence.”
There are no easy answers, yet these are the questions we explore at Improvalicious through our classes and ensembles. This investigation of mindfulness in improv has led to an evolving set of Participant Guidelines and The Nuancers, a women’s ensemble that dares to explore socially relevant topics through improv. At Improvalicious we are committed to bringing consciousness to improv, with the aim of working and playing towards a loving and equitable, even socially transformative community of artists.
Here are the Improvalicious Guidelines:
At the core of Improvalicious is a strong and clear intention to nurture a mindfully playful space for exploration, creativity, discovery, authenticity, and risk-taking and to foster an environment where people feel welcome, supported, and affirmed.
We play and create community in the generous spirit of YES And!
As members of the Improvalicious community we are accountable to each other and agree to:
-Be mindful to do our best to avoid hurtful stereotypes and actions that may be harmful
-Be aware that the energy we bring, and what we do and say affects our classmates and scene partners
-Avoid inappropriate sexual references -Stay open to dialogue and looking at our part if someone feels hurt by our behavior
– Avoid actions and behavior that block collaboration such as sarcasm, negativity, criticism, taunting, judgment, and mean-spiritedness
Harassment, bullying, violence, or abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. At Improvalicious we thrive on playing consciously and respectfully in the spirit of Love! We practice empathy, generosity, and collaboration.
December 2013
Welcome to Improvalicious! The seeds of this wild adventure, creative community, and emerging school were planted three years ago at a retreat class. We have been growing in momentum, members, and vision ever since. A young student in one of my workshops a few years ago called me a Playcilitator. I feel blessed every day that I get to facilitate play for work!
I am grateful to every person who has contributed their creativity, intelligence, and love to Improvalicious and this website, especially web angels Michele Salami, Hallie Betz, and Dan Stern. A special thanks to those students who started with me and have returned consistently. You are brave and delightful improvisers who have shared in laying the Foundation of what is becoming and what is to come for Improvalicious.
Welcome to those of you who are new to improv and/or Improvalicious. Although there are no guarantees in life, I can actually promise you two things: laughter and the opportunity for authentic, playful connection. In this sometimes crazy world, where there are many challenging realities, we are supposed to “be serious” or “act like an adult,” or “be rational.” This combination can leave us feeling isolated and heavy about life. Science shows that improvisational play changes our brain chemistry, lifts our spirits, opens our minds, and connects us to ourselves and others. I would venture to say from experience, it connects me to something greater than myself. I am truly humbled by this work and delighted to be on the journey with each person who walks in the doors of an Improvalicious class or show. Let’s see where this wild ride takes us…
Improvalicious! 