I was having a conversation with Carl this evening, and we got into a disagreement.
We were discussing who I perform for... (I as in any improv actor)
He said that I should perform for the audience, because they pay to see me perform. I argued that I should just perform how I want to perform- because I do it for me and the pleasure I take out of improv performance.
Maybe you have to take into account that they are there, and if (for example) there is a kid in the room at a family friendly show, you notice and therefore do not describe in detail some sexual acts... well, that is taking them into account, but not necessarily performing FOR the audience... more like- for myself with them in mind...
I don't know if this makes any sense.
8 years ago
6 comments:
My point was, if you don't enjoy doing improv, DONT DO IT... If people are going to pay to see you, there's an unspoken agreement that you are going to entertain them.
As an audience member, I STRONGLY dislike going to see a troupe that gets up and goofs off (even if they are having a terrific time)...
Also, depending on the format, things happen on stage that are for the best of the audience. Short form Playtime on stage (while generally balanced) is often determined by how well games are played by the players.
The Roving Imp's Survivor format for example: People get eliminated. This is not something that should be personal!
I agree with Julie, the players have to have fun! An actor "just going through the motions" is not fun to watch. Unfortunately, there are compromises that might occur when you agree to perform for a paying audience...
I'm struggling with this question myself. I enjoy improv as a craft, an art form... and after a year as an onstage performer (to the day, tomorrow), I still enjoy playing in classes and workshops more than shows. There, I said it. Shows are the part I have to do, like a piano recital. They're helpful for the pressure of not screwing up, no do-overs, no half-assing. And I take it on faith, since nobody has told me otherwise, that I belong onstage with my team helping to create something entertaining. Sometimes I get a laugh, but that's not the payoff to me.
Now what? An audience can smell fear, and they can probably smell "I tolerate your presence but I'd rather be in workshop."
I think it depends on what you mean by "for."
Unless you are forced to do improv to raise money for rent and food, you don't have to do it. So from that perspective, you're improvising for your own benefit.
But the second you bring an audience into it—paying or no—it's all about them. Your art becomes their product.
And then there's what you owe to the art and craft of improv. Every show carries the potential to turn someone off to improv forever.
So, you know, no pressure.
Jen: Girl, you are good. No need to be afraid!
Trish: I think that EVERY time that I DO improv, it is because I am paying homage to the art of it. That is why I do it, and why I am so into learning so much about it! So that I *hopefully* get good enough NOT to turn someone off forever!
:-) Thanks, Julie... I actually mis-phrased that. I wasn't so worried about the fear-smelling, there's less and less of that. I was worried about smelling like a snob. And now I'm worried about smelling arrogant. Great. I need some Lady Speed Stick for my psyche.
It would be totally awesome if you could solve neuroses with a solid or roll-on.
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