Hey gang
My apologies for not completing my reflection sooner. Here it is, though, in all its glory.
Handshakes
A grateful and sincere 'Thank You' to Sadie and Erin for running 'Handshakes'. That game was super fun! I hope everybody forged a new connection with somebody. Hey, if you see your partner in the hall, do your secret handshake. Why not, right?
That game was excellent and fun. I had a blast watching everybody.
Singsong Circle
It's very difficult to get up in front of people to talk or speak, let alone sing! This game is tough for some people, and that's alright. Part of the game involves becoming more comfortable with the people you'll be singing in front of. Once you overcome your initial hesitation, you'll find a surprisingly complex game of Association right in front of you.
Association is the process of relating two ideas. It happens all the time in Improv. You may hear someone utter the phrase 'What happens next?' That question merely asks that you associate the current situation with the next logical step. In the 'What happens next?' example, no one is asking you to shatter the world with your association. It could be as simple as the following exchange:
Person 1: "A young man opens a door and walks into a room."
Person 2: "What happens next?"
Person 1: "He sees an unopened letter on the table."
Person 2: "What happens next?"
Person 1: "He walks towards the table and picks up the letter."
Boom. Simple. With Singsong, you're being asked to associate lines of songs with other lines of songs. One thing will lead to another, and we will always get an interesting lineup of songs.
Person 1: "All you need is love..."
Person 2: "L is for the way you look at me..."
Person 3: "I'm looking through you, where did you go?"
Person 4: "I am slowly going crazy 1 2 3 4 5 6 switch..."
Person 5: "ABC! Easy as 123!"
And so on. We will play this game again in the future, as I find it's a simple and silly way to get people into a positive frame of mind. Fear dissipates when you're singing and having fun with friends.
Fear begets Thinking
Mick Napier, in 'Improvise: Scene from the Inside Out', puts together a thought-provoking series of events. When people become afraid, they will start thinking about the situation so that they may prevent an unwanted outcome. They will do and say things that they think are safe and appropriate. This process is called being 'in your head'. I'm certain you've experienced it before. Do you ever become quiet and unresponsive when you are seriously thinking about all the options that lie before you? I know for a fact that I have. You're trying to decide what to say or do to prevent embarrassment or harm. All the while you're thinking, though, things are going on around you.
Good Improv has nothing to do with safety or appropriateness. People don't come to Improv shows to see people mull over the options that are available. They come out to see people play. And they want to see you play like crazy.
When people start thinking, they often choose to engaging in protective behaviour. That is, behaviour that will put the most distance between them, and fear or embarrassment.
What does this look like in an Improv scene? It could look like any number of things. Perhaps people ask questions of other performers, rather than making decisions. They 'Hmm' and 'Haa' while trying to decide what should happen. They retreat to the back of the stage. They break character or lose track of their 'Deal'. (You'll learn the term 'Deal' soon enough.) They accuse other performers' characters of being crazy. They could talk about things rather than doing them. Lots of things can be interpreted as being protective behaviour. The point, though, is that it is not preferable on stage.
So, let's work to eliminate fear. It's a lofty goal, but no one said that we were going to set our sights at anything lower than incredible.
If you're looking to read a book, I definitely suggest Napier's 'Improvise'. (Also, Johnstone's 'Impro'. And Halpern's 'Truth in Comedy'. Also? Malcolm Gladwell's 'Outliers'. I'm sort of getting off-track.)
Truthful 'Love' Monologues
What a spectacular experience. Watching as everybody made the move from professing love to arbitrary objects (perhaps out of fear!), to describing things they actually love and care about.
I mean, sure, they're nice windows, and the floor was definitely very clean and shiny. I personally preferred hearing people say they love their grandmother, or how they love writing with ballpoint pens. Those moments are truthful, sincere, real. They're wonderful.
I spoke with Sadie briefly after her monologue. I observed that her hands were shaking. She admitted that it was nerve-wracking to get up in front of everybody and say things she loves. I told her that her feelings were legitimate, as she wasn't on stage, acting as a character. She was on stage as herself, sharing things about herself. And that's a tough thing to do. But dang if it isn't a wonderful exercise in trust and truth.
~
We didn't do very many different games on Monday, but I hope that they were worthwhile. I certainly enjoyed everything that we did. On Friday, I would like to start doing some scene work. We'll see how that goes. I think we'll be just fine.
As always, here is your homework:
1) Reflect! If you post your reflection in the comments section, I will read it. If you want me to read your reflection, but don't feel comfortable posting it on the improg, then bring it with you on Friday. I will read it.
2) Become inspired! Look up Improv books and watch Improv videos. Get ideas!
3) Greet every improviser you see. Use names!
Thanks again gang. Monday was great.
Cheers,
Cliff
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Robert Bateman Improv Team - September 24th, 2010
Hello improvisers
I am sincerely, truly, honestly humbled at the sheer amount of people who came out for Improv. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people creating and working together. I do not have experience coaching such a large group of people, but I will do my best to make sure each meeting is worthwhile to everyone. Hey, let's hear it for learning together.
Daggers
Hopefully, everybody has a good idea of how daggers works. Our version of daggers turned into something different with the addition of the angry cat, the bowling ball and the balloon. When playing a game like this, keep in mind how you would actually throw and catch these objects. I loved walking around, watching as people collapsed on the ground from the bowling ball, or reeled back in terror while struggling with the angry cat. It was simply wonderful to watch.
Daggers helps to reinforce Observation and Acceptance of ideas and offers while simultaneously working on Object Permanence (Not permeance, as I said several times. Permeance isn't even a word.) Plus, it's fun as heck. Heck, say I!
Red Ball
Red Ball works similarly to Daggers, except all objects are the same weight and size. The difference lies in the colour, and therein lies the new trick. In this game, it's imperative to make direct eye contact before throwing a ball. Otherwise you end up with several people, all of whom claim to have the same colour ball! (Now, if something like this were to happen on stage, you would roll with it. A scene won't be derailed by the simple addition of a ball.)
So, Observation absolutely comes into play in this game.
Narration Game
I really should get a better name for this game. Apparently, the 'Harold' style of Improv got its name from someone assigning a completely arbitrary name, which ended up sticking. So, that being said, I'm going to start calling this game Steven.
Steven
This game is used to highlight a wide variety of different Improv concepts. There's listening, acceptance, making decisions, team-building, and a whole host of other ideas. It's a pretty wild experience, too. I believe our groups were:
2 - Helicopter
3 - Armchair
7 - Dragon
Sometimes I have groups of 5 make Tanks, or the whole group create a working Assembly Line, but that didn't come up on Friday.
I really have to hand it to everyone who played Steven. It was a blast to watch, primarily because you all got into the game so quickly and so enthusiastically.
Now, you may be asking yourself what the purpose of the game was. I unfortunately don't have much of a solid answer outside of 'It's fun'. However, that's not the entire truth. Though it was a fun game, it really stressed the importance of going along with ideas and making rapid, strong decisions for the purpose of achieving a group goal. (For example, using seven people, create a dragon in under 10 seconds). I've been stressed support from the beginning. You know how you support your teammates? By making big decisions right at the beginning of a scene. If people didn't know what to do when making a dragon, you bet they felt supported when somebody stepped up and started creating.
(That concept does seem a little contradictory, doesn't it? "Cliff, you've been telling us to be supportive and to share the spotlight! How the heck does making strong decisions support my team?" We will talk about that more in the coming weeks. Wink.)
Tug of War
If you feel as though your partner wants to win, then by george let them. If you feel as though your partner is giving in, then give an extra pull to seal the deal. Allowing your partner to win makes the whole scene more real, more truthful. And besides, it's more entertaining to watch.
Lauren vs. Team Super Strong
Now, that being said, there is nothing wrong with giving the audience what they want. If you have to lose to let that happen, so be it. The audience should be your priority. You can trust them. They're never wrong.
7 Things
This game was fantastic. I did not plan for the person speaking to be in the center, or for the person speaking to do a circle of high-fives after completing their 7 Things. But it happened! And it was AMAZING. Damn, what energy! What excitement! What support! Nobody panicked and froze and the results were incredible.
Caitlin (I hope I'm spelling your name right, I don't have my Cards in front of me), I must apologize for putting you on the spot with my analysis of your list. That was inappropriate of me. I should have prompted you to continue going, rather than changing your subject. That was a poor decision on my part, and I apologize. I'll apologize in person on Monday.
Anyway.
Thinking back, I'm reminded of...somebody's 7 Things List, in which 'Talha' came up three times. That would be hilarious! A scene with three Talhas encountering each other for the first time? Dang, that would be so great to watch. 7 Things is a great game for encouraging truthful brainstorming, as once people work through their initial two 'Clever/Original' thoughts, they start listing things that would actually be in the environment. Sometimes, they get through things that are actually in the environment, and then really weird things come up that add a whole new dimension to the scene. It's a blast, it's a great exercise in brainstorming and creating space and it's also a great exercise in adding layers.
~
I think that's it for this session. I had a blast (I'm not certain my voice had a blast, but he works for me, so I'm calling the shots). I'm hoping you all did as well.
Your homework for the weekend:
1) Reflect! Somebody posted a reflective comment on one of the other posts I made, and it was wonderful to read! (Thanks, Sparklingtree!) If you want to post your reflection, I will read it and give you feedback.
2) Find Improv videos and watch 'em. Might I suggest the search terms 'harold improv' and 'longform improv'?
3) Say hello to fellow improvisers and ask them how it's going. Use names. If you see me, say hello! If I don't remember your name immediately, then please forgive me. Although I'm good with names, it's trying to learn 50 new names in a week.
4) Forget the Gilligan's Island thing. That was some idea I had that isn't very funny. Improv doesn't work when you go for the jokes. I went for the joke, and I definitely didn't feel the response I was hoping for. And that's totally cool. I should have known better. My apologies.
Thanks again, gang. I look forward to seeing you all on Monday!
Cheers,
Cliff
I am sincerely, truly, honestly humbled at the sheer amount of people who came out for Improv. It was absolutely wonderful to see so many people creating and working together. I do not have experience coaching such a large group of people, but I will do my best to make sure each meeting is worthwhile to everyone. Hey, let's hear it for learning together.
Daggers
Hopefully, everybody has a good idea of how daggers works. Our version of daggers turned into something different with the addition of the angry cat, the bowling ball and the balloon. When playing a game like this, keep in mind how you would actually throw and catch these objects. I loved walking around, watching as people collapsed on the ground from the bowling ball, or reeled back in terror while struggling with the angry cat. It was simply wonderful to watch.
Daggers helps to reinforce Observation and Acceptance of ideas and offers while simultaneously working on Object Permanence (Not permeance, as I said several times. Permeance isn't even a word.) Plus, it's fun as heck. Heck, say I!
Red Ball
Red Ball works similarly to Daggers, except all objects are the same weight and size. The difference lies in the colour, and therein lies the new trick. In this game, it's imperative to make direct eye contact before throwing a ball. Otherwise you end up with several people, all of whom claim to have the same colour ball! (Now, if something like this were to happen on stage, you would roll with it. A scene won't be derailed by the simple addition of a ball.)
So, Observation absolutely comes into play in this game.
Narration Game
I really should get a better name for this game. Apparently, the 'Harold' style of Improv got its name from someone assigning a completely arbitrary name, which ended up sticking. So, that being said, I'm going to start calling this game Steven.
Steven
This game is used to highlight a wide variety of different Improv concepts. There's listening, acceptance, making decisions, team-building, and a whole host of other ideas. It's a pretty wild experience, too. I believe our groups were:
2 - Helicopter
3 - Armchair
7 - Dragon
Sometimes I have groups of 5 make Tanks, or the whole group create a working Assembly Line, but that didn't come up on Friday.
I really have to hand it to everyone who played Steven. It was a blast to watch, primarily because you all got into the game so quickly and so enthusiastically.
Now, you may be asking yourself what the purpose of the game was. I unfortunately don't have much of a solid answer outside of 'It's fun'. However, that's not the entire truth. Though it was a fun game, it really stressed the importance of going along with ideas and making rapid, strong decisions for the purpose of achieving a group goal. (For example, using seven people, create a dragon in under 10 seconds). I've been stressed support from the beginning. You know how you support your teammates? By making big decisions right at the beginning of a scene. If people didn't know what to do when making a dragon, you bet they felt supported when somebody stepped up and started creating.
(That concept does seem a little contradictory, doesn't it? "Cliff, you've been telling us to be supportive and to share the spotlight! How the heck does making strong decisions support my team?" We will talk about that more in the coming weeks. Wink.)
Tug of War
If you feel as though your partner wants to win, then by george let them. If you feel as though your partner is giving in, then give an extra pull to seal the deal. Allowing your partner to win makes the whole scene more real, more truthful. And besides, it's more entertaining to watch.
Lauren vs. Team Super Strong
Now, that being said, there is nothing wrong with giving the audience what they want. If you have to lose to let that happen, so be it. The audience should be your priority. You can trust them. They're never wrong.
7 Things
This game was fantastic. I did not plan for the person speaking to be in the center, or for the person speaking to do a circle of high-fives after completing their 7 Things. But it happened! And it was AMAZING. Damn, what energy! What excitement! What support! Nobody panicked and froze and the results were incredible.
Caitlin (I hope I'm spelling your name right, I don't have my Cards in front of me), I must apologize for putting you on the spot with my analysis of your list. That was inappropriate of me. I should have prompted you to continue going, rather than changing your subject. That was a poor decision on my part, and I apologize. I'll apologize in person on Monday.
Anyway.
Thinking back, I'm reminded of...somebody's 7 Things List, in which 'Talha' came up three times. That would be hilarious! A scene with three Talhas encountering each other for the first time? Dang, that would be so great to watch. 7 Things is a great game for encouraging truthful brainstorming, as once people work through their initial two 'Clever/Original' thoughts, they start listing things that would actually be in the environment. Sometimes, they get through things that are actually in the environment, and then really weird things come up that add a whole new dimension to the scene. It's a blast, it's a great exercise in brainstorming and creating space and it's also a great exercise in adding layers.
~
I think that's it for this session. I had a blast (I'm not certain my voice had a blast, but he works for me, so I'm calling the shots). I'm hoping you all did as well.
Your homework for the weekend:
1) Reflect! Somebody posted a reflective comment on one of the other posts I made, and it was wonderful to read! (Thanks, Sparklingtree!) If you want to post your reflection, I will read it and give you feedback.
2) Find Improv videos and watch 'em. Might I suggest the search terms 'harold improv' and 'longform improv'?
3) Say hello to fellow improvisers and ask them how it's going. Use names. If you see me, say hello! If I don't remember your name immediately, then please forgive me. Although I'm good with names, it's trying to learn 50 new names in a week.
4) Forget the Gilligan's Island thing. That was some idea I had that isn't very funny. Improv doesn't work when you go for the jokes. I went for the joke, and I definitely didn't feel the response I was hoping for. And that's totally cool. I should have known better. My apologies.
Thanks again, gang. I look forward to seeing you all on Monday!
Cheers,
Cliff
Thursday, September 23, 2010
How to be Interesting
Hello friends
I read Keith Johnstone's Impro about 2 years ago. Ever since then, it has been one of my favourite books. I can pick it up, even after having read it cover-to-cover several times, and find new things to learn and try.
In this video, Keith explains, in simple terms, how to be interesting. (I'll give you a hint: His answer is different than what you are expecting).
"Just be human here. I mean, it's not the most difficult thing of all, but be yourself. Do whatever is most obvious. Have a good time. If you're not having a good time, switch what you're doing. Find...change it around until you are having a good time. And the best way to have a good time is to give your partner a good time because it will bounce back on you."
- Keith Johnstone
Cheers,
Cliff
I read Keith Johnstone's Impro about 2 years ago. Ever since then, it has been one of my favourite books. I can pick it up, even after having read it cover-to-cover several times, and find new things to learn and try.
In this video, Keith explains, in simple terms, how to be interesting. (I'll give you a hint: His answer is different than what you are expecting).
"Just be human here. I mean, it's not the most difficult thing of all, but be yourself. Do whatever is most obvious. Have a good time. If you're not having a good time, switch what you're doing. Find...change it around until you are having a good time. And the best way to have a good time is to give your partner a good time because it will bounce back on you."
- Keith Johnstone
Cheers,
Cliff
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Robert Bateman Improv Team - Septemer 20th, 2010
Hello Bateman improvisers
This is the improg. I started it in 2008 when I was coaching the McMaster Improv Team (MIT). I used it to post reflections on the improv work we did.
So, here we are, now, in 2010, and the improg has sat unused for more than a year. That will change, though. Lo, the improg will henceforth be used again!
Remember the end of the Robert Bateman Improv Team (RBIT) meeting on Monday? I said that learning without reflection is essentially meaningless. I sincerely believe in the power of reflection, and so I, too, will be reflecting on the work we do in the Bateman Improv Team.
Without further ado, here we go.
"I don't have to like you, but I have to work with you, and I have to show you respect."
As I said at the beginning of the meeting, I will, in no way, associate myself with an Improv team that is neither supportive or respectful. As such, everything we will do will boast undertones (perhaps that's an oxymoron) of respect and support. Rest assured, if we work in a respectful, supportive environment, you will all become amazing improvisers. The best improvisers are not the people who always have the best jokes, or the loudest voice. The best improvisers are the ones who will bend over backwards to make their teammates look good. That is the kind of team we will be creating. That will be the Robert Bateman Improv Team.
Mname Mnemonics
Apparently, people remember lists better when there are associated actions. Saying names alongside simple actions helps everyone to remember names. And remembering names is dang important. Dale Carnegie, in How to Win Friends and Influence People, writes that, to any one person, their name is the most beautiful and sweetest sounding word. Think about the emotions that are conjured up when someone says your name. I believe there's no better way to build community than by learning names and using names. S'why I'm having every improviser greet every other improviser with their name and action.
Plus, it's fun to do Brandon-like kicks and punches, or Sahaj-like stripping, in front of people who have no idea what's happening. Comedy!
Zip Zap Zop
If you're concerned about this game, that's reasonable. Believe me when I say that you'll all get better. I was glad to see that no one was laughing or excluding people when errors were made. If you've never played a game before, why shouldn't you make errors? If you've played the game a bunch of times, errors will still happen, and that is perfectly fine! There are no such things as mistakes in Improv!
Allow me to provide an example. I was listening to a podcast released by Kevin Patrick Robbins (KPR) of the Impatient Theatre Co. KPR was talking to a fellow by the name of Dave (his last name eludes me), who referenced a scene he had been in recently. Dave said that one of the actors, instead of saying "Welcome to Athlete's World", said "Welcome to Athlete's Foot". That's HILARIOUS. And it brings a whole new angle to the scene. Dang, I mean, that was a complete error, but it is brilliant at the same time. Damn.
I was playing a game called Where Have My Fingers Been (Don't worry, we're going to play it) with Moist Theatre (my improv troupe) the other day. It came time for me to give Carson a location to do a scene in, and instead of saying 'In a Jet Plane', I said 'In a Jet Pilot'. I tried to correct myself, but Colin yelled "NO! It's Jet PILOT now!" So, rather than being a perfectly normal scene about a plane, Carson did a scene about multiple personalities arguing within a jet pilot. And it was really funny (albeit strange).
Admittedly, when people screw up in Zip Zap Zop, it tends to be the funniest part of the game. Why laugh at somebody (rather than with) for screwing up, in an environment where screw-ups are celebrated? Why, I ask you? Why!!
Daggers
This game works on a lot of different concepts, including Acceptance and Object Permanence. Essentially, it reinforces the ideas of working with offers provided by other improvisers. Somebody throws a dagger at you, and if you catch it or get stabbed, then you've accepted the offer. Boom. Plus, it's fun as heck to throw daggers around.
I will learn to love to lose
When every member of a team seeks out personal glory, then nobody on the team will win. This concept comes back to the idea of support. You can't support your team when you're hogging the spotlight. (Hell, I'd commend the people supporting the person in the spotlight before I would ever commend the person, that selfish jerk.) Think of it this way. If you've played any sort of sporting event, you know that there's often one person who tries to get all the points without any assistance. Not only is this strategy completely ineffective, but it makes the other team members hate the person. Worse yet, it could make the audience hate the person, or worse yet the team. Could you imagine if an entire audience started to hate a team as a result of the selfish actions of one member?
In Hockey, I'd hazard an assumption that assists are often just as important as goals. Every now and then, someone will get a breakaway, and it'll be fantastic. But it's not going to be the same person all the time. If it were one person getting breakaways all the time, then that'd be boring as hell after a while.
So, you dang-well better learn to love to lose. Because you will lose. And it will be brilliant.
Slow-Mo Samurai
I love this game. If you're going to get stabbed or hit, then let it happen! Let another member have their glory! In this game, it's plainly obvious who is playing for the team and who is being selfish, as the selfish people clearly speed up. Don't do that. Gosh, that's, like, so, whatever.
Fun Fact: While we were playing, a man and a young girl (maybe around 4 or 5 years old) walked by. The man didn't seem to notice, but the girl walked by with wide eyes and a huge smile. And that's pretty dang cool.
~
So, gang, as a summary, that was a fantastic meeting. I had a blast, and I really enjoyed meeting everybody! I'm looking forward to what we're going to be able to do.
Remember, your assignment for this week is:
1) Reflection - Write up a summary of what we did and how you felt about it.
2) Watch Improv - Find Improv videos online and watch 'em. Pick out thinks you like and things you don't like.
3) If you see another improviser, greet them and do their action.
Great stuff gang.
Cheers,
Cliff
This is the improg. I started it in 2008 when I was coaching the McMaster Improv Team (MIT). I used it to post reflections on the improv work we did.
So, here we are, now, in 2010, and the improg has sat unused for more than a year. That will change, though. Lo, the improg will henceforth be used again!
Remember the end of the Robert Bateman Improv Team (RBIT) meeting on Monday? I said that learning without reflection is essentially meaningless. I sincerely believe in the power of reflection, and so I, too, will be reflecting on the work we do in the Bateman Improv Team.
Without further ado, here we go.
"I don't have to like you, but I have to work with you, and I have to show you respect."
As I said at the beginning of the meeting, I will, in no way, associate myself with an Improv team that is neither supportive or respectful. As such, everything we will do will boast undertones (perhaps that's an oxymoron) of respect and support. Rest assured, if we work in a respectful, supportive environment, you will all become amazing improvisers. The best improvisers are not the people who always have the best jokes, or the loudest voice. The best improvisers are the ones who will bend over backwards to make their teammates look good. That is the kind of team we will be creating. That will be the Robert Bateman Improv Team.
Mname Mnemonics
Apparently, people remember lists better when there are associated actions. Saying names alongside simple actions helps everyone to remember names. And remembering names is dang important. Dale Carnegie, in How to Win Friends and Influence People, writes that, to any one person, their name is the most beautiful and sweetest sounding word. Think about the emotions that are conjured up when someone says your name. I believe there's no better way to build community than by learning names and using names. S'why I'm having every improviser greet every other improviser with their name and action.
Plus, it's fun to do Brandon-like kicks and punches, or Sahaj-like stripping, in front of people who have no idea what's happening. Comedy!
Zip Zap Zop
If you're concerned about this game, that's reasonable. Believe me when I say that you'll all get better. I was glad to see that no one was laughing or excluding people when errors were made. If you've never played a game before, why shouldn't you make errors? If you've played the game a bunch of times, errors will still happen, and that is perfectly fine! There are no such things as mistakes in Improv!
Allow me to provide an example. I was listening to a podcast released by Kevin Patrick Robbins (KPR) of the Impatient Theatre Co. KPR was talking to a fellow by the name of Dave (his last name eludes me), who referenced a scene he had been in recently. Dave said that one of the actors, instead of saying "Welcome to Athlete's World", said "Welcome to Athlete's Foot". That's HILARIOUS. And it brings a whole new angle to the scene. Dang, I mean, that was a complete error, but it is brilliant at the same time. Damn.
I was playing a game called Where Have My Fingers Been (Don't worry, we're going to play it) with Moist Theatre (my improv troupe) the other day. It came time for me to give Carson a location to do a scene in, and instead of saying 'In a Jet Plane', I said 'In a Jet Pilot'. I tried to correct myself, but Colin yelled "NO! It's Jet PILOT now!" So, rather than being a perfectly normal scene about a plane, Carson did a scene about multiple personalities arguing within a jet pilot. And it was really funny (albeit strange).
Admittedly, when people screw up in Zip Zap Zop, it tends to be the funniest part of the game. Why laugh at somebody (rather than with) for screwing up, in an environment where screw-ups are celebrated? Why, I ask you? Why!!
Daggers
This game works on a lot of different concepts, including Acceptance and Object Permanence. Essentially, it reinforces the ideas of working with offers provided by other improvisers. Somebody throws a dagger at you, and if you catch it or get stabbed, then you've accepted the offer. Boom. Plus, it's fun as heck to throw daggers around.
I will learn to love to lose
When every member of a team seeks out personal glory, then nobody on the team will win. This concept comes back to the idea of support. You can't support your team when you're hogging the spotlight. (Hell, I'd commend the people supporting the person in the spotlight before I would ever commend the person, that selfish jerk.) Think of it this way. If you've played any sort of sporting event, you know that there's often one person who tries to get all the points without any assistance. Not only is this strategy completely ineffective, but it makes the other team members hate the person. Worse yet, it could make the audience hate the person, or worse yet the team. Could you imagine if an entire audience started to hate a team as a result of the selfish actions of one member?
In Hockey, I'd hazard an assumption that assists are often just as important as goals. Every now and then, someone will get a breakaway, and it'll be fantastic. But it's not going to be the same person all the time. If it were one person getting breakaways all the time, then that'd be boring as hell after a while.
So, you dang-well better learn to love to lose. Because you will lose. And it will be brilliant.
Slow-Mo Samurai
I love this game. If you're going to get stabbed or hit, then let it happen! Let another member have their glory! In this game, it's plainly obvious who is playing for the team and who is being selfish, as the selfish people clearly speed up. Don't do that. Gosh, that's, like, so, whatever.
Fun Fact: While we were playing, a man and a young girl (maybe around 4 or 5 years old) walked by. The man didn't seem to notice, but the girl walked by with wide eyes and a huge smile. And that's pretty dang cool.
~
So, gang, as a summary, that was a fantastic meeting. I had a blast, and I really enjoyed meeting everybody! I'm looking forward to what we're going to be able to do.
Remember, your assignment for this week is:
1) Reflection - Write up a summary of what we did and how you felt about it.
2) Watch Improv - Find Improv videos online and watch 'em. Pick out thinks you like and things you don't like.
3) If you see another improviser, greet them and do their action.
Great stuff gang.
Cheers,
Cliff
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