Impfest and Ramblings

So, I read in Jill's tiny cute book of improv about the 'sine wave of suck'. I totally adhere to this theory. For about the past three or so months, I have seriously been on the bottom part of the sine wave of suck. About three or four weeks ago, I had a break through about what the hell my problem has been. I HAVE BEEN IN MY HEAD. Like 100%. Someone would say somthing in a scene, and I would say nothing but be thinking ' how do I respond to that?' So when I realized what was wrong, I began fixing it. Doing things to get me out of my head when I am in scenes. I feel like Impfest was like the test. I think I passed with flying colors. I had so very much fun playing, that I didn't even realize that I was sick when I was on stage- because my characters were not sick. Amazing.
Man I LOVE improv!~ and improv people!
The outpouring of support from the KC improv community was touching. I want NOTHING more than for my brother to succeed. So seeing other improvisers feeling the same way is just an indescribable feeling for me. At the end of Saturday night, I was so happy that all I could do was walk around saying how happy I was. I think the energy of our theater really lent to that. As opposed to the large theaters at Crown Center and Union Station, our theater let a bubble of energy be created and the cool thing, is that even though the bubble is around the stage, the energy can be translated to and from the audience. That really helps everything be more connected, and I think makes the shows just that much better.
The Brownies Don't Lie set was, to my mind, completely outstanding!!! They were able to created super memorable characters and form some of the most amazing and natural relationships that I have ever seen. The thing that actually shocked me about their set, is that there was NO conflict. There were obsticles, things that got in the way of complete happiness, but NO arguing. Trish spent a good 7- 10 minutes completely silent, and imrov-ing with NOTHING but her right arm. AND that was not borin- no sir- quite the opposite actually, the audience was leaning forward- desperate for her arm to do something else, every tiny movement cherished and loved. The amazing amout of TRUST that she must have had! The trust was one-sided in the least. Jill spent an entire scene as a raptor. She committed fully to being a raptor, trusting that Trish could carry the verbal part of the scene. Trish did a great job in that scene, adding to the scene while at the same time, seeing if Jill wanted to speak. When Jill didn't, the scene was set and it got even more playful! Their entire set was playful and trusting, and that translates to the audience and makes them comfortable but focused and eager to watch.
Something happened to me during the Coma set. I was about to have a scene with Nifer, then Jessica came on too, which is great. I quickly realized that I was not needed in the scene. I LITERALLY thought, ' I am not needed here. I am going to sit down and watch.' So when John scene painted a wives boxing match, I was simpley commenting on the scene when I said, "Zombie wife has nothing to lose." I don't normally play a very good 'number 3' character. That being said, I don't know at what level commenting on the scene from within the scene is okay. I realize that is is not okay to be an asshole and point out holes in the improv, but how much internal commenting is okay?
In conclusion:
Impfest was a success. The performers and the audiences were there physically and mentally, and it was fun! What more can you ask for?