The Power of Yes, And…
I’m about to perform one of the biggest shows of my life…
Hey there. It’s been a while.
Many apologies are owed to you, dear reader, for the lack of blogs for the last four to five months. This has unfortunately been the result of a heady mix of procrastination and lack of belief.
A while back, I posted about not having been okay. Thankfully, this latest bout of unproductiveness was not from anything to do with mental health issues. There has been a lot going on (going all in on a new mortgage, for one!). But the last week has made me realise I need to stop with the negative way of thinking.
When considering what to write, I have found myself thinking it wasn’t worth it, that no-one would care if I stopped and I wouldn’t be attracting new readers. But all I need are two simple words: Yes, and…
Improvised comedy is always something I wanted to do. Ever since watching the likes of Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie and Josie Lawrence come out some of the funniest things i’ve ever seen or heard on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, I wanted to know how on earth this skill could be achieved. I never had the confidence to seek out classes or groups to pursue the interest. Despite being involved in local works that had ties to improv troupes, they always seemed too cool for me to fit in with. Many years went by before I was asked to go along to an improv night in Southend.
I watched a showcase by the Laughter Academy, where some of the players had never performed improv before. I was astonished that it only took ten lessons over as many weeks to get to the point where you could perform in front of a paying audience. I decided to attend the course despite being nervous that the teachers were members of the previously mentioned troupes I had deemed myself too awkward to be comfortable around.
Fast forward many years later, I can call myself an improv comedian. I have performed in many showcases opposite a lot of different players: comedians and actors wanting to improve their skills, workers wanting to improve their confidence, as well as people just wanting a new hobby. I even met the love of my life who I’ve gone all in on the aforementioned mortgage there! Following this, I have guested in several regular shows, hosted improv jams, been part of 24 hour marathon shows and been a regular on Extreme Improv’s online shows. And without trying to sound like a Danny Wallace novel, it’s all happened because I said ‘Yes’. Quickly followed by ‘And’.
I’ve heard it scoffed at as a huge trope, but ‘Yes And’ really is the basis for the best kind of improv. It’s the basis on any scene, as you cannot go anywhere by refusing the offer given.
Last week, I found myself using this as the basis to take a bold step. Last Sunday, I took part in a wonderful workshop by the improvised musical troupe Acaprov. Myself and a gathering of fellow Laughter Academy regulars went fully out of our comfort zones by attempting improvised songs, backed by other improvisers performing the music with their voices. It’s a huge skill set, and the show the group performed later in the day was mind blowing. After a few hours of learning the basics of how to structure an improvised song and show, followed by watching the real thing, it was time for a jam.
For those not in the know, a jam is where a group of improvisers can try their hand at different games and scenes while also being the audience. Players can be determined either totally at random or volunteering. The final challenge was for someone to perform a solo number backed by the entire Acaprov cast. Our group was very hesitant, despite doing well all day. As the countdown began before they would have to change the challenge to something else, I felt the eyes of one of my improv teachers fixed on me — he saw that I wanted to volunteer and felt he was silently confirming it would be okay.
“Go on then!”, I exclaimed right as the countdown finished.
Up I went on stage and performed a song about being in a fairground, which took a slightly dark twist as a cast member supported me by being other characters in this scene. I felt a huge rush of adrenaline throughout the performance with the power of these wonderful voices behind me providing a tremendous soundtrack. When we finished, I received a great cheer from both audience and cast after what was one of the most nerve wracking moments of my life. Was it perfect? No. Was it a good effort? Yes. Did I do myself proud? Damn right I did!
It was just the confidence boost I needed, as this weekend I’ll be performing the biggest show of my improv career (and I use that term loosely) so far. I’ll be part of a four person team alongside my improv teacher Lee Tearell, who’s been a huge supporter for me. Also on the show is Tai Campbell, a writer/director/comedian/impersonator from “Do The Right Scene” and guest of many many many groups. And finally, Suki Webster is also part of the show. She’s absolute top tier when it comes to improv. I’ve seen her as part of Paul Merton’s Improv Chums, she’s one of the Comedy Store Players, she’s rather awesome. To say that I’m nervous is an understatement! These players are all in the upper echelon of the improv world and I can only hope I can keep up.
While a huge part of me will find this overly confident (and maybe it will read that way), ask me if I can keep up… I’ll say yes…and…
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To get tickets, go to SCARED SCRIPTLESS — SATURDAY 04/09/21
