The improvisation competition presented challenges and opportunities. These are the aspects that stood out for me. I think they are relevant for people doing something new.
Becoming comfortable in a new environment
Wearing a microphone for the first time in a theatre was no problem. But we had to have sound checks, keep the mic free, and the battery part tucked in a pocket. There was some jeopardy. We had to thread the microphone up through our clothes and there was a disadvantage for anyone wearing a dress. Also until you turned your mic off a chance remark could be audible.
It was a very hot night the theatre was not airconditioned and the stage lights were extremely hot.
The brightness of the stage lights meant it was difficult to see the audience at all. But as we needed them to contribute ideas we needed them to feel included. As the auditorium was strongly raked we were advised to look way up to the back at the top.. (But of course we couldn’t see them because the lights were too bright!)
In our weekly classes we do act as an audience for each other. But with a real audience giving us the prompts for the scenes we needed to include them even more.
Inner group dynamics are so important
Our small group of 5 had only met in real life to rehearse in the two weeks before the competition. There were lots of things to decide on: our group name, which games to use , who would take part where.
Our name The Discombobulators came about by chance, but we agreed on that relatively easily through Whatsapp. We knew each other from our weekly class but had not worked specifically with each other before. The knowledge of a time constraint added a new more daunting dynamic.
On the first occasion we met in person we were still feeling our way. We made some changes about which games to include once it all became more real. The group dynamic had not built and it was a question of accommodating individual needs.
By the second meeting – only the night before – we knew the order and who was taking part in which scene. So we felt more confident and trusted our plan. The actual content was dependent on the audience responses. And obviously on the member of the group who was introducing the game and getting the responses.
During the show we supported each other brilliantly and really came together as a group. We were proud of what we achieved, and felt pleased with our relationships as well as our performance. Ultimately this is the biggest win.
The more we relaxed, trusted each other and just got into the flow the more confident we felt. It then became easier to say the first thing that came into our heads. And that was when the laughs appeared as if by magic!
There is a great sense of bonding after a successful performance!
The world may judge by different criteria
The rules were that there was a strict time limit of 20 minutes. After that the scene would be closed. That didn’t happen! The people who ran over didn’t have any time penalties either and went on to win. There is nothing much you can do about things like this either.
The judge used phrases about “hedging” and “chivalry” which we had never heard before. In fact the chivalry comment was a compliment to us but was a completely different way assessing what we did.
What appealed to the crowd didn’t necessarily appeal to the judge. The judge had his own decision and the judge’s decision was final.
The big lesson here was to not get too carried away by everyone’s comments. We were pleased with our own performance and development. We were in it for fun, not for scoring arcane points. However, we have lots to learn which is exciting, as long as we decide to trust our own instincts,too..
How is improvisation relevant to other situations?
Having a rough plan of what you want to do is obviously essential in any walk of life. Whether in business, creativity or sport you can’t control every detail so it is good to bear that in mind. However, most activities do not ask for audience participation to quite the same extent!
Nerves and tension are normal when we do “put our heads above the parapet.” Being seen and heard is especially difficult when you don’t know whether you have got it right.
Overthinking or trying hard to do it right often gets it wrong. It is the enemy of good improvisation and of a lot of other activities.
There will be a new environment when you change and progress. Becoming familiar with it helps, although you can never plan for everything. The crowd at any spectator activity makes a difference even if you have raced before.
Focus on your own abilities and preferences and judge yourself against your own personal best, your values and purpose.
It was a fabulous learning experience, and we enjoyed doing it. We will use it an an opportunity to develop.