I started becoming interested in theater in high school. I didn't get any major parts. I tried out for my high school's improv troupe and I almost didn't make the cut.
Inside, I didn't feel a lack of confidence. I was just keenly aware of what other people thought of me and I was always comparing myself to those around me.
I was chosen to perform with my community college's improv troupe. Once, I was asked to sit out of a show. It was all very humbling...
And now that I'm taking this improv course from Improv-abilities, and really (like, REALLY) looking inside myself to work on the things I need most... I'm realizing that I need to build some self-confidence. Which came as a SHOCK to me. I mean, seriously... I thought I had the confidence thing down. But I don't. And it's the root of pretty much all of my problems in an improv scene:
- I'm vague. I say things like, "this" or "that" or "my magazine". I won't name it! Or give details. Or make a decision.
- I panic when the audience is silent. Why aren't they laughing? Was it not funny? Did I do something wrong?
- I overthink and underthink. I start self-editing before my brain even has a chance to complete a thought or I just force myself to go with it and low-brow stuff comes out.
- I struggle with the "AND" of the "Yes-And" philosophy. I'm all about the idea, YES! But I have no follow-up. (See 1st and previous bullet points.)
3-1-11:
Did well: miming work and feeling comfortable on stage
Need work: giving out information confidently
3-8-11:
Did well: reacting honestly
Need work: continuing to react honestly & with confidence
3-15-11:
Did well: feeling confident
Need work: showing confidence through adding details and not being vague.
Notice a theme? I did! So...how to fix that?
1 comment:
Read a book, take a vacation, test-drive somebody else's hobby, get out of your everyday comfort zones. I find that when I'm switching it up in my real life, I have more specifics at front-of-mind to pull from on the fly in a scene.
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