The World of Improv:
A Metaphor for Finding Self Expression
September 2006
It was just a couple of years ago on a rainy Chicago day, that I had a conversation that would truly be an amazing catalyst for my spiritual and creative life. I was sitting across from my wonderfully gifted spiritual teacher, Sonia Choquette, when she lovingly, but firmly looked me in the eye and said, "Your inner child is bound and gagged in the corner. You need to let her OUT." I knew at the moment Sonia uttered those words that she was right. My ego told me that I was witty and fun loving- always good for a laugh at social gatherings, yet my soul yearned for more carefree playtime. As I was processing what she just told me, Sonia wanted to make sure that the inner child abuse would not continue, "She wants to be free and play; what are you going to do?" I returned her unwavering gaze and told her about a desire I had carried with me for years, "I am going to take improvisation classes at Second City". Sonia smiled and told me "That's right! You will love it." I did love it. My experience at Second City became a life changing journey into self expression. I have come to learn that the very nature of improvisation (improv) serves as a template for profound healing of the creative spirit.
Essentially, the goal of the improv performer is to engage the audience and make them laugh. Many of my friends and family found the very idea of being onstage without a script very frightening. Embarking on the year long improv program at Second City gave me an instant feeling of liberation. Performance through improv implies putting yourself out there and risk taking. The very commitment to the craft of improv is a freedom from the inhibitions that can be so binding. It was a commitment to step outside my comfort zone. I was frightened, but my need for creative exploration outweighed my fear.
I came to learn that through the improv process, one replaces the cerebral with the intuitive. It is a dance of resourcefulness and spontaneity. You are completely in the moment as you perform and that is where you can find the beauty and joyfulness of playful self-expression. It is by being in the present and following your inner voice, that you enter the "flow" of comedic timing. I found that I could be clever and funny, when I surrendered to the flow of the intuitive wellspring. On the flipside, I felt fearful and uninspired when I got too much into my head or second guessed myself or those in my ensemble.
One of the most healing aspects for me as an improvisational performer was the amazing teamwork required during an improv skit. The improv ensemble is a genuine collaboration and social venture. There is a bond that forms, because everyone is facing their fears. In a way, you feel symbolically naked and as a result the ensemble members learn to trust each other implicitly. Through this nurturing environment, my whole ensemble was able to grow and thrive.
In my opinion, the best part about the improvisational experience is the enchantment of reviving the child within. The first thing we did in our training was become a child again. We needed to become innocent again, before all the baggage was accumulated. We played games to our heart's content and found our spontaneity and wonder. It was divine!
The art of improvisation holds within it these important gifts of spirit: Take a risk. Live in the moment. Trust your intuition. Look for ways to be supported. Play! These jewels will lead you to a place where the true creative healing can come in. This is where the magic lies.
