I've been doing too much improv.It began five and a half years ago, with a single class. Soon I was hitting the improv scene 2-3 times a week, occasionally for 10 hours straight. The only hobby I did more in that span is reading.1 And not to toot my own horn,2 but I'd gotten pretty good.3
Nevertheless, thanks to a mass tryout in May, I learned I'm not good enough to be in any of the local improv groups. (My words, not theirs.)
Which got me thinking. Well, first it got me fretting and stewing and plotting revenge. But then it got me thinking.
Without an outlet to perform for my friends and family, it would be selfish to continue to do so much improv. Not to mention, I've enjoyed it less since the rejection. Thus, I'm stepping away.
But fear not, dear readers! I'm not giving up! Okay, I kind of am, but not really. What you're witnessing here is a shift in priorities. You know all those hours I used to devote to improv? I'll be writing instead. Let me break it down for you:
Less improv = more writingNow, I'm no mathologist, but I believe that means less improv equals happier readers. And I'm all for that.
More writing = more blog posts and finished stories
More blog posts and finished stories = happier readers
And instead of selfishly entertaining myself (via improv), I'll be selflessly entertaining my friends and family.4 That's a win in my book.5
Besides, it's not like I'm abandoning improv completely. I'll drop in to visit once in a while. And who knows, maybe someday I'll be welcomed into another group. But for now, alas, the love affair is over. I'm running back into the arms of my old mistress, the written word.
It's not you, improv. It's me.
No hard feelings. I wish you all the best.
And hey, I'll see you around.
1 Procrastination doesn't count. It's not a hobby; it's a life choice.
2 Because I don't own one.
3 At improv, that is. Also, at reading.
4 In that order.
5 Which I'm still in the process of writing. Give me a moment to breathe, people; I only switched priorities a couple paragraphs ago.
Sorry you didn't make the cut. But since humor is your thing, you can now focus that into your writing and entertain all of us. Definitely a win-win!
ReplyDeleteMy sentiment exactly. (Except, of course, my sentiment tends to involve more footnotes.)
DeleteTotally get it Nate! I've pulled back quite a bit myself in an effort to balance the other things I love to pursue. But I will miss your soulful renditions of songs that don't exist in the musical improv classes!! (And selfishly was hoping to play off you in the upcoming class!!) But seriously, write on! And I look forward to reading your work. See you around!
ReplyDeleteWell, Betsy, you're in luck! I may be (mostly) giving up on improv, but musical improv remains my drug of choice. I'll see you in class.
DeleteYay!
DeleteYou're not fooling me. You are, indeed a mathologist.
ReplyDeleteAt least now you can dedicate your time to putting off writing.
Also... Now you can pick up the horn (tuba, I hope)
ReplyDeleteThe tuba is okay, but it's so one-note. Or possibly two-note. Either way, I need something more versatile. Maestro, I require a Sousaphone!
DeleteI hope I am fortunate to see you when you visit. I enjoy you, I like you, and I do understand how important it is to restore balance. Although I don't make the cut, I derive benefit from playing and from trying to listen and build, and I get ideas for classroom activities to make it fun for students in my classes to learn.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I've gotten a lot out of improv. I've made fantastic friends and learned some great techniques for real-life. And of course, all the laughter. I suspect I'm a better dad because of improv, too (even if my son doesn't yet grasp the concept of "yes, and...").
DeleteBut, since improving my writing can positively impact more people at this point than improving my improvising, this felt like the right thing to do. So I'm doing it. Hope to see you when I stop in as well.