Every improv group is a test. Setting aside groups that are downright toxic, which you should quit, each one has a different vibe. It’s not a conscious choice. Group mind is something that just happens.
Some groups want slow, others want fast. Some nurture, others run ahead. Some are broad, others natural. Some are physical, some are not.
Same goes for audiences. Some crowds want you to scream. Others only listen if you speak naturally.
Venues change everything. Ceilings make a huge difference. Some rooms have low ceilings, which make the groups seem powerful. Others have punishingly high ceilings which makes even the most veteran teams feel unconfident.
Some stages have room, and others don’t.
Sometimes you’re doing a show which is a regularly running show. Meaning it’s business as usual. Other times you’re in a festival, doing something which is a special event.
Guesting in groups is a whole thing. Guests are usually timid at first, getting a feel for the temperature of a group before jumping in. But other guests leap into the first scene and initiate - maybe they think they’ll vanish if they don’t get started early.
When you’re guesting, it matters if you are a veteran sitting in with a younger group, which usually feels casual, or if you’re an up-and-comer being given a shot, which is exciting but stressful.
As with many things, a mixed diet is best. If you can play with several groups, you’ll feel different improv muscles getting stretched. Not everyone has the luxury of lots of performance opportunities.
But if you do improv in a community over a few years, you’ll get at least some chances to mix it up.
Try not to get frustrated. See everything as exercise.
My favorite venues are ones with low ceilings, not too big.
Best audiences are a decent mixture of improv nerds and new people. The nerds forgive, and the new people listen more honestly.
Worst possible venue: in a stand-up club, as the only improv group on the bill.
Best possible venue: thrust stage, with 200 people spread on all sides, below a low ceiling.
Plugs, Fresh
The Smokes - Friday April 5 8:30pm, UCB Theatre
Thanks to everyone who came to High Functioning this past Tuesday! Full house.
Also to everyone who came to Clubhouse Fridays a few days ago. Brother Kevin was in town to join The Bozos. That was fun.
Plugs, Ongoing
Screw It, We’re Just Gonna Talk About Comics - Comic book podcast, hosted by my brother Kevin and I. We are examining Bendis/Bagley run of Ultimate Spider-Man.
Clubhouse Fridays - WGIS’ weekly improv show. Fridays 7pm at The Clubhouse. Free!
The World’s Greatest Improv School: The improv school I run with Jim Woods and Sarah Claspell. We’ve got classes online, in LA and even a few in NYC!
How to Be The Greatest Improviser On Earth - My improv book, available at Amazon. Kindle or print. It’s a hodge-podge of advice I wrote in 2016 about doing improv. If you’re broke and want a free PDF version just email me and I’ll send it over.
Best audiences I've found? Burlesque show audiences. They are there to have fun and scream and join in. It is a fun and energizing vibe.