I’ve always had a variety of interests and have taken classes in art, dance, acting and even a brief stint with singing lessons. In 1998, I signed up for an Improvisational Comedy class. I was very disappointed when the class didn’t run due to lack of a minimum number of registrants. Determined to take this class, I enlisted a bunch of relatives and friends to sign up for the following session. I’ve been laughing ever since! Oh the original members didn’t stay, but I filled the class again a second and third time until I knew it would continue.

What is Improv comedy? Well if you’ve ever seen “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who are not familiar with the TV show, Improv is short for improvisation. Essentially, two or more people create a short scene from suggestions from the audience. The actors develop characters and a brief story line right on the spot. It requires quick thinking and moving way out of your comfort zone by being spontaneous and creative. The more you can be true to your character, the funnier the scene will be. The focus is not on delivering jokes or even being funny. The more honest you can be in your characterization, the funnier the scene will be. Sometimes scenes work without being funny at all. The idea is to develop a short story that grabs the audiences’ attention, connects with them emotionally and keeps them interested.

In 2001, I became a founding member of an Improv troupe, called ImproVabilities, based out of Haverhill, Massachusetts. That’s me on the right, bending down in the picture. Our troupe met just about every week for practice and put on shows for a reasonable fee, either in a rented art studio or for organizations seeking entertainment or fundraising. It was one of the most rewarding things I ever did for myself. I’ve learned so much from Improv and grown in so many ways. I remained a member until 2007. Months after losing our director, I decided to leave the troupe. It was time to move on. I miss it very much but the hours of laughter and fun I had with my fellow improvisers will always be remembered as a very special time in my life.

Stay posted for ways you can learn from Improv. I will be adding information on classes relating Improv to life and how you, too, can learn to expand your horizons and tickle your funny bone at the same time. Check this site frequently for updates.