Ted Bundy of Improv

Just a quick couple notes.

On Friday Brian, one of my fellow intensive improvisers, in front of the group, turns to me and says, "you're the Ted Bundy of this improv group." Everyone was perplexed, me included, but I wasn't offended. He said it with such warmth I knew it wasn't hurtful. He went on to explain I'm very much a teddy bear in real life, a bit shy and kind, but on stage I can can be a very intense, and a dark force. Hurtful? No. Complementary? The juries out on that one. It made me laugh though, the Ted Bundy of improv.

Also, here are a couple things my teacher wants me to focus on during the duration of this intensive.

1. I can explore "softer," characters, more demure POVs. She made a point of telling me this does not mean low status characters, but rather characters who have sweeter sides (you know...less Bundy...more Strawberry Shortcake)

2. I can work on revealing my inner thoughts. You know, "those" thoughts, comments we usually screen out of conversation in our normal lives because they may hurt others, or expose ourselves to ridicule. Let's shout those out on stage. The stage is a chance for those moments to to come to life, to explore those thoughts. I typically suppress that stuff...even on stage...and it'll make me a better improviser to open up.


I wanted to list those two items here, because others may benefit when considering these points. Everyone needs to work on improv, everyone can become better.

Did I mention that's one reason I love the Chicago improv scene? So many talented improvisers are still trying to improve themselves. It's pretty inspiring.

Oh, and this weekend I saw the following shows:

Cougars (IO)
Del Tones (IO)
Improvised Shakespeare (IO)
Steve and Jordan, Respectively (IO)
Love in Dead: A Necromantic Musical Comedy (Annoyance)