Taking classes at Improv Olympic (or Second City) has been something Dev and I have wanted to do for a LONG time - certainly longer than we’ve known each other. I know my friends from the Welshcrew can attest to this.
So, I’m happy to say that Devin and I started Level 1 classes today at IO. Our instructor is the very funny, very talented and very supportive Jet Eveleth.
Oddly, I had met a fella during a job interview last year who told me he was involved with IO and that Jet was the one to take Level 1 classes from. I had already been considering this as a gift for Dev so it was an even stronger sign when the only classes available on Saturdays were led by Jet.
Our class is large - 12 people or so. We do a lot of fun exercises with everyone involved but for the most part, it’s two people on stage improving a scene. And the whole process is very educational - and theraputic. After being a corporate dog for the week, it’s nice to kick back and have “diarrhea of the brain” where you can say and do just about anything you want - so long as you are 110% committed to your decision.
I appreciate the minimalist aspects of this art form - and the theory we are using is that improv is the art form. Apparently, those “commies” at Second City use improv as a tool to develop a scene. Ha! Actually, I didn’t really know what the difference between the two were other than IO focuses on a lot of long form improv where as Second City is more about sketch comedy. But it’s nice to not have to bring anything to the stage except yourself and some ideas. Stark contrast from my experiences in theater and film.
Dev and I have the bug though…we are enjoying ourselves as much in this environment as we did when we first started our filmmaking classes…maybe more. With a pass to get us into any IO show we want to, this is one of the best gifts I’ve ever given (and for that matter, received).
When will Dev and I have a public performance? I have no idea and don’t know if it will come to that…but I’m sure if it does, it will be heavily promoted right here on welshcrew.com.
I was just listening to Love Jones - Paid For Loving