Forty days have passed since my last post. It's like I gave up blogging for Lent, except it being the wrong time of year, and the fact that I'm a lousy, stinkin' Jew.1
So, what have I been doing all this time? I'm glad I asked.
As previously mentioned, I've spent plenty of time
I've taken a couple of classes so far, and after the last one, a few of us decided to meet up weekly to keep at it. Although I have my blog and novel, I love having this creative outlet where I get to work with others. I always leave our improv sessions energized. Anyway, two weeks ago, we settled on a name for our fledgling group: The Damn Fools.
Sure, a couple days later two of our four members officially joined an established improv troupe as well. They hope to stick with both groups, though some might say they're damn fools for trying.
But hey, that's who we are. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
1 I am a lousy Jew: I eat pork, don't believe in God, get the holidays confused, and — unless you count bar mitzvahs — haven't been inside a synagogue since I was 8. (Whereas, I stink because I haven't showered in two days.)
2 I'll write a Professor-centric post once I get the chance to comb through the most recent pictures. (Not literally; there won't be a comb. I'll sift through them instead. (Not literally; there won't be a sieve. I'll scour through them. (Not literally.)))
I enjoy improv. I'd never attempt it myself but I still enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteAnd as always, I love the footnotes. They never fail to make me laugh.
That you enjoy it is enough. After all, we improvisers do like to have an audience.
DeleteOf course, my footnotes also like to have an audience (the egotistical bastards). Glad you keep coming back for more.
If this is lazy I'd hate to see what you consider keeping yourself busy.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Actually, when I keep myself busy, I get a lot more done. In this case, it was work and my son keeping me busy. Much more aggravating and adorable, respectively, but not nearly as productive.
DeleteImprov is challenging! Hope your group stays together.
ReplyDeleteIt can be, Alex, but I relish the challenge. (I also challenge the relish, but it routinely skips our duels to chill with the mustard.)
DeleteGood luck on the improv. Or, should I say break a leg (not literally)?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura, but don't worry. If I literally break a leg I'm sure it will be someone else's.
DeleteLent is lovely, except for all the sacrificing. It would be great if Paczki Tuesday were simply extended for 40 days.
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of that before, but after a quick Google search, I'm fully on board with your proposal. Now we just need to convince the masses, which shouldn't be too hard, I would think. After all, Christianity embraces change.
DeleteNate, I have missed your insanity...and I mean that literally. And after your confession (not that you're Catholic) I wouldn't stand too close to any burning bushes!!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your improv venture...
I'm Catholic? Hmm, I don't remember converting, unless it happened automatically when I told Our Father I'd thrown all those Hail Marys. But I'll make sure to stay away from burning bushes. They're kind of creepy, anyway, always trying to talk to me.
DeleteYay for improv! My baby sister's improv group at Columbia (Droppin $cience) won nationals last year, and this year she's the captain. One of the members just got a job on SNL.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm certainly not that caliber of improv performer, but I like to think I hold my own. (I don't, but I like to think that.) Best of luck to your sister!
DeleteOkay, here is the lamest question of the week--What the heck is Improv, exactly? Are we talking music, comedy, or just what? Yeah, I could Google it, but I know your explanation will be so much more educational!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so glad you are keeping busy with positive activities! :)
That's not lame at all; there are different varieties of improv, and I didn't specify.
DeleteIn general, improv is just making up scenes on the spot, often based on audience suggestions. We strive for comedy, but really we're happy as long as we create interesting scenes and/or characters. We do short-form (think Whose Line Is It Anyway?, if you've ever seen that show), where each scene is like a game, with defined rules around it. And we're getting into more long-form, where either one big scene or a series of monologues and short scenes is based off of one suggestion.
I don't know if that explanation was educational at all, but it was long, and in my experience (in high school history classes, especially) the two often go hand in hand.
Actually, that is a very helpful explanation! So now my next question is, When are you taking your show on the road and where can I see it? :)
DeleteConsidering we've never even had a rehearsal with all four members there, we're probably not yet ready for public consumption. But when we are, I'll let you know, so you can decide whether to drive hours to see us, or wait until someone tapes us and puts it on the Tube of You.
DeleteYou are one of the funniest writers on the planet. Enjoy the improv, the Professor and his antics, and all the creative energy!
ReplyDeleteWow, Mary, thanks! I'm not sure I'm deserving of such praise, but that could either be my modesty or my self-deprecation talking. Not that either of them actually talk. (Both tend to mumble.)
DeleteImprove is awesome fun! Hope all is going well with you and the professor!
ReplyDelete