Improv Bootcamp

Anyone who has ever been involved in the Performing Arts will tell you that it is not all glory and adulation. Even people who are now big stars will have MANY stories of disappointment and rejection throughout their career. It is what we choose to make of these experiences that ultimately determines whether we continue or not.

I guess it’s apt for me to be writing on this topic today as I just had a disappointing experience myself. Last night I performed in the Australian National Theatresports Championships (competitive improv), but my team had a less than stellar evening, getting eliminated early on. It was tough because we really wanted to have a great night but it just didn’t pan out for us. Of course in the 24 hours since the show finished, I’ve thought of about a million ways I could have done things differently (and I’m sure my team-mates have too).  In the end, though, I chose to do the following:

- look back on it as just ‘one of those nights’

- remember that every improviser I know has had a night like this at some point in their career

- acknowledge that this one experience does not define who I am nor what I am capable of as a performer

and

- MOVE ON!

I do realise though, that it’s not just onstage disappointments that can affect us as performers. For some people, harsh criticism and negative comments from peers or teachers can cause them to question what they are doing. For others, it is a lack of support (real or perceived) from the artistic company or community that causes them to give up. It is in these instances that your self-awareness & self-belief need to come into play (and if you haven’t read my blog on self-awareness, go back and read it now!).

If you really want to perform and you love it, then you will find ways to do it. Here are some actions I would suggest:

- If you feel like there is a lack of support from the improv community you have joined, find out who is in charge and see if they can help. It could be that you were just looking to the wrong people.

- If you are not getting cast in shows but really want to perform, find a group of like-minded people and put on your own shows! Pay an experienced performer to coach your group so you get better while you perform.

- If you can afford it, travel to different cities and take classes with another group. Many companies have week-long intensive courses that give you some great experience, as well as exposure to different teaching styles and ideas.

- Keep taking classes, studying improv and working on your craft so that when opportunities do arise, you feel prepared and ready to seize them!

If you have any specific questions or problems you are encountering please comment below and I will do my best to help you out.

Lisa x