Exploring Improv

I’m not sure what came over me. I am a pretty no-nonsense serious person. But one day I got the random urge to try improv. Yes- like where you stand on stage and make up a comedy act as you go. There was a local theater near me where I had seen a sign for classes, and for some reason, I gave it a go.

As I stepped into the brightly lit studio that first day, my heart was pounding. At forty-something, here I was, about to make a fool of myself. It wasn't something I'd ever imagined myself doing, but there I was, nervously fidgeting and trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

I think I was looking for a bit of adventure and spontaneity. I'd found myself stuck in a rut, caught up in the routines of work and family life. I needed something to shake things up, to push me out of my comfort zone and remind me that life is meant to be lived with joy and excitement.

As the class began and our instructor led us through warm-up exercises, I couldn't help but feel a surge of self-doubt. What if I wasn't funny enough? What if I froze up in front of everyone? But as we delved into our first improv game, those fears melted away.

There's something magical about improv – the way it demands presence, spontaneity, and above all, a willingness to embrace the unexpected. In those moments on stage, there's no time for self-doubt or hesitation. You have to trust yourself, trust your instincts, and just go with the flow.

And you know what? It was exhilarating! Sure, there were awkward moments and plenty of laughs – sometimes at my own expense – but there was also a sense of freedom and liberation that I hadn't felt in years.

I became a regular and for those precious hours each week, I could let go of my worries and insecurities and just be in the moment. But perhaps the best part of all was the people I met along the way. Our improv class was a huge mix of ages, backgrounds, and personalities, but we all shared a love of laughter and a willingness to support each other. Through silly games and spontaneous scenes, we bonded in a way that felt almost magical. These weren't just classmates – they were friends, confidants, and fellow adventurers on this crazy adventure.

As the weeks turned into months, I found myself looking forward to improv night with an excitement that bordered on obsession. It wasn't just about the thrill of performing – although that was certainly a big part of it – but also about the community, the shared sense of playfulness, and the sheer joy of being part of something bigger than myself.

I think improv has changed me for the better. It's given me a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance, not just on stage but in all areas of my life. It's taught me to embrace the unexpected, to trust my instincts, and to never be afraid to take risks. And I’ve learned how to deal with embarrassment with laughter!

So here I am, a forty-something mom with a newfound love for improv acting. It may have taken me a while to find my way to the stage, but now that I'm here, I can't imagine ever looking back. Life is too short to play it safe – sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and see where it takes you.