A few posts I liked writing in 2024
In no particular order
Hello all, I’m still on break but I will return on Wednesday 15th January. In the meantime, here are some of the posts from 2024 I enjoyed writing listed below - in no particular order.
Forms are the mid-point, not the nexus
Probably the first post I did that got a lot of shares, I still stand by this view that forms are about developing skills and are the base template for more ambitious shows. I’m personally hoping that groups will take inspiration from forms to create the type of show that works for their aims, rather than being beholden to tradition.
Breaking improv out of a comedic aesthetic
Another one that had been floating around in my head in recent months, it was good for myself to get it down in writing as it’s easy for any medium to limit itself to a particular style or approach. This was more to argue that we can assume improv must be done in a certain way when it’s a truly malleable medium.
The kindness behind giving context
One of the first posts I wrote when I launched the newsletter, I still think it’s incredibly helpful to contextualise what’s happening to an audience (beyond it’s unscripted/all made up). That can be as simple as explaining up front what the show is about, as a clued-in audience will be more receptive to what’s happening on stage.
The road to success is never smooth
Improv advice can sound a lot like life advice, but there is truth to that as no skills developed in a medium exist in a silo. This came from my own frustrations starting off, believing I should be much further ahead in ability than I was instead of just enjoying the process and letting those moments come naturally. Slipping into these moments regularly is a sign that you’re on the right track imo.
Embrace the space
Sometimes it’s just nice to write about something simple and to the point. I do try my best not to just write tips pieces but sometimes they’re needed, and honestly, using the space on stage is an easy, actionable way of keeping things interesting for an audience.
Breaking down scenes when you’re in the audience
I’m a firm believer that to understand performance on stage, you need to see shows from different angles. Being an audience member is one of them because while you come in with a bias - if you’re into improv, then you’re more receptive to what’s happening on stage - you can recognise mechanics and choices made that make or break scenes.
All advice is relative to where you are
Another one that qualifies under life advice but I do think it’s important to hear as sometimes we’re not at the right stage to properly digest lessons, advice, or tips. It’s especially true in improv where your fluency and understanding of the medium is constantly developing and it’s always good to be reminded of that.
The subtle difference between a role and a relationship
Straight to the point with this one, this is the kind of post I’m talking about when I say the newsletter has helped me solidify my understanding of improv. Breaking this down for myself has helped immensely when I’m contextualising relationships in improv.
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