I pride myself on being sharp in my ability to think on my feet and attribute it taking my improv classes regularly. Improvisational comedy is a passion of mine and taking classes is like a form of therapy that lets me be my true and authentic self, which is silly, random, erratic and irresponsible (onstage 
.
.Back in July, I had finished my introductory improv classes at The Second City and auditioned to get into their Conservatory Program which is an incubator for improvisers, actors and comedians in The Second City style of improv. If you finish their Conservatory program, it gives you a lot of credibility in turning professional as a performer. Even better if you’re good enough and poached to be on their Mainstage, Touring or Educational Companies.
For Level E, a new ‘innovation’ in their program was to give out ‘report cards’. My instructor for Level C and E was Ayumi Iizuka, who’s a masterful improviser and devoted to the art and craft. Some of her suggestions were:
- Areas of Weakness – my confidence and presence wasn’t felt on stage, I looked tired all the time and unengaged, wasn’t fully aware of what my body was doing while performing. I should allow my body to give me offers so I can then ‘yes-and’ them.
- Improvements – an increased range of emotions conveyed compared to when I had her since Level C, projection was very good and LOUD
- Areas of Strength – yes-anding offers from fellow improvisers constantly
Back to my audition now, with all of the feedback I received and aware of my strengths and weaknesses as an improviser, this was the first time I had auditioned for anything since I was in Grade 8 and chosen to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in my middle school graduation ceremony. Needless to say, I was nervous as hell and made it a point to have a blast while I was auditioning to destroy any anxiety. The warm-up exercises before going into the audition was a huge help in getting rid of anxiety and putting me more in a “ah-fuck-it-let’s-just-have-fun-here’ state.
I had high hopes going in, but didn’t make it in.
The new Artistic Director at The Second City Training Centre, Kevin Frank, was cool enough to give the people who didn’t make it into the program a call citing the reasons they didn’t get in, so they can consciously work on their shortcomings and be ready for the next time they decide to audition to get into the program again.
My downfall and biggest mistake was that I was unconsciously blocking my fellow improvisers by saying “STOP!” and had my back turned to them instead of being fully present and aware of all the offers in the scene.
Although I was disappointed that I didn’t make it in, I decided to start all over again and build a strong foundation as an improviser. Right now, I’m in the “Level 201″ longform improv class at The Impatient Theatre Company it wasn’t that big of a setback because I genuinely enjoy improv and performing on stage. I could always try again and come back a stronger improviser where I deserve admission into the program.
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