Improv is not just a performance art. It is an approach to life, a state of mind, that values spontaneity and complete trust in the present moment. I like to imagine that there is a control tower or transmission center that is continuously transmitting the pulse. The improv state of mind involves developing one's abilities to tap into this signal and stay tuned to it.
So how does a person develop this improv state of mind? I have found these three approaches to be most helpful:
1. Keep an improv journal. Keep a blank journal and colored pens (I like Sakura Micron 05) with you wherever you go. Whenever you have a spare moment write, doodle, draw, and color, improvising moment by moment. My student Karen Wang (hi Karen!) left Berkeley and was no longer able to come to the improv class. Wherever she goes she takes her improv journal with her and keeps her improv state of mind active and fresh. Some people like to do this upon waking, first thing in the morning. I like to do it while riding the train to work each day. Remember this is a crazy journal--you can title it that if you want--and nothing is off limits! Just do as your pulse guides you to. It is the improv exercise we do in class called funny walk, except this is on paper!
2. Meditate every day. Many great comic actors practice zen meditation for about 20 minutes each day. Meditation does not have to involve ritual or spiritual/religious aspects. It is simply stilling the conscious mind by focusing upon the breath while seated in a comfortable position with the spine fairly erect. For more on meditation, see my yoga-is-love blog.
3. Participate in Improv Play at least once a week! Regular participation in an improv acting class will keep strengthening your connection to the creative pulse. Many long-time students of mine have noticed that the right brained creative freedom gained in improv class translates into powerful life skills! You evolve into a creative powerhouse not only while playing and performing in class but also at work, in school, and the rest of your life.
So, friends, keep the improv state of mind active! It is the life philosophy that embraces finding joy in the now, as no other.
May the pulse be with you!
Abhay
Image: Moebius band by Charles and Ray Eames
So how does a person develop this improv state of mind? I have found these three approaches to be most helpful:
1. Keep an improv journal. Keep a blank journal and colored pens (I like Sakura Micron 05) with you wherever you go. Whenever you have a spare moment write, doodle, draw, and color, improvising moment by moment. My student Karen Wang (hi Karen!) left Berkeley and was no longer able to come to the improv class. Wherever she goes she takes her improv journal with her and keeps her improv state of mind active and fresh. Some people like to do this upon waking, first thing in the morning. I like to do it while riding the train to work each day. Remember this is a crazy journal--you can title it that if you want--and nothing is off limits! Just do as your pulse guides you to. It is the improv exercise we do in class called funny walk, except this is on paper!
2. Meditate every day. Many great comic actors practice zen meditation for about 20 minutes each day. Meditation does not have to involve ritual or spiritual/religious aspects. It is simply stilling the conscious mind by focusing upon the breath while seated in a comfortable position with the spine fairly erect. For more on meditation, see my yoga-is-love blog.
3. Participate in Improv Play at least once a week! Regular participation in an improv acting class will keep strengthening your connection to the creative pulse. Many long-time students of mine have noticed that the right brained creative freedom gained in improv class translates into powerful life skills! You evolve into a creative powerhouse not only while playing and performing in class but also at work, in school, and the rest of your life.
So, friends, keep the improv state of mind active! It is the life philosophy that embraces finding joy in the now, as no other.
May the pulse be with you!
Abhay
Image: Moebius band by Charles and Ray Eames
1 comment:
Hi Abhay! I love journals and felt that I ought not to purchase another one when I hadn't filled the first one yet. Then, I figured, "Hey, I love the look of this journal. Who says I can only have one at a time?" Now, I've got them scattered all over the place and handy for whenever I want to write. Having a chronoloical order to my entries isn't so important to me right now. It's more a need to express myself. Thanks for the great blog!
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