Just Say Yes

I’ve been told people take note when I walk into a room. They see strength and confidence… But apparently this person other people see, does not always live inside me.  And certainly not on this rainy Saturday. Really, I was shaking like a leaf….

I always found it interesting that those who feel somewhat uncomfortable moving through life, light up when on stage. While I, who generally likes to take life head-on, was petrified of being up there. Spotlight. Judgement. Pressure to perform. Time to tackle this fear. It was time to try improv…

…not after many lame reasons to postpone. One must wash ones hair, after all.

The Vancouver Theatre Sports League hosts a drop-in workshop for beginners every Saturday at 1:30pm. Thinking everyone on the planet feels as I do about preforming improv, I meandered my way by Sea Bus to Granville Island’s False Creek Community Center; strolling past shops and boutiques, everything to slow down the inevitable. Who needs to be there early? There will be plenty of spots. 

Well, turns out lots of people want to put themselves into a situation of potential humiliation. Thankfully, dear soul and friend, Leanne was there in time to snatch up the last 2 spots for us and bring with her an infectious enthusiasm that this was going to be gosh-darn FUN! Ok, well, here we go… I guess.

It starts with one of the Theatre Sports “professionals” quickly getting us all on our feet. Time to break the ice. But these aren’t your cheesy corporate ice breakers…no human bingo. No, no. These are  1-2-3 be an extrovert NOW! You are Samurai sword wielding warrior! Kill your neighbour with loud intimidating death cries!

Quick switch! You are now to play a version of Simon says. Whatever someone suggests you are doing, the whole room agrees to act it out whole heartedly! Yes, I am riding a bucking bronco! Yes, I am being chased by bees! Yes, I am strip-teasing. Yes, this part makes me want to go home!

But not before doing proper improv sketch comedy. This, I think I will like. But first, let’s learn the basic rules. 1. Always say Yes. Don’t leave your fellow man hanging… not cool. 2. Don’t block. Hey man, share the stage and collaborate. 3. No humping. Apparently, this needs to be explicitly mentioned. Dang it!

This I liked very much. Sharing the stage, telling a story. What was cool was that instead of focusing on what you should say, (the part that most made me fearful of freezing and making it awwwwwk-ward), you focus on your social status within the context of the sketch and fight to keep your status; taking focus off what to say and instead letting the ideas come to you as you try to maintain your character, your role in this mini-society.  And, who doesn’t like to play the part of spoiled-daddy-is-the-boss-so-good-luck-telling-me-what-to-do character. Fuuuuun.

Two hours later, somewhat revved up, somewhat tired, somewhat proud, somewhat embarrassed, I can say I did it. I said YES! To another act of courage. Another 52 Firsts. Another opportunity to interact with new and interesting people.

It was really a cast from all walks of life. Middle-aged grocery check-out clerk. UBC music student. 50-something pot-bellied elementary school teacher. 20-something Bieber-obsessed wild Millenial. Business Professional. Exotic Dancer. Bus Driver. Maple Ridge. Kitsilano. You name it.