Hello. My name is Rusty Bill and I am an Improv addict.
As of late June 2020, I have done fifty-plus online Improv "jams". Some may turn up their nose in distain because it isn't 'live' theatre. In reality, it is, in some ways, better than 'live'.
Sure, there are limitations. (What Improv form doesn't impose limitations?). It is hard to create a large space when you're confined to a small rectangle on-screen. It is difficult sometimes to not 'step' on someone else's line, which is made worse by the audio prioritization of the software.
But the Improv Community, by and large, has not let that stop them. Creative minds have a way of overcoming / working around / dealing with problems. In my experience, it is a success: it has far exceeded 'just doing Improv'.
Firstly, I have been in jams where 'the cast' is composed of people from all across the US: from New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, California and Oregon to name a few. A few jams went international, with participants from the UK, Spain, France and Russia. You know people are into Improv if they are doing it at 3 AM their local time.
Secondly, there is the exposure. Instead of waiting to see one or two previously unknown (to you) troupes at some yearly Festival, you can get a daily dose of worldwide diversity online.
Thirdly, speaking of diversity, most people I've met online are inclusive of what should, in a sane world, be included. I'd dare say all the people I've met, but you know how statistics are...
Fourthly, seeing any given troupe's local endeavors for rights equality, inclusiveness and other good ideas to make the world a better place can quickly be echoed to other parts of the country or the world. Again, creative minds such as exist in the Improv domain can (and have) come up with some pretty kicking ideas.
Fifthly, and nearly the end of this lengthy missive, is that many jams welcome the novitiate. The jam might be based in Portland, Oregon and the 'newbie' might be in Tallahassee, Florida. While there may be or have been a local 'live' group for the Tallahassee-ite to join, the exposure to all the different styles and forms and people can't hurt...
And maybe that last point is the most important one. 'Improv people', in my experience, are accepting, loving, caring people. If we can change the hearts of mankind, even one at a time, then we would not need barely useful legislation(s) to attempt to force us to change our collective minds about what is right and what isn't.
Thanks for reading...
As of late June 2020, I have done fifty-plus online Improv "jams". Some may turn up their nose in distain because it isn't 'live' theatre. In reality, it is, in some ways, better than 'live'.
Sure, there are limitations. (What Improv form doesn't impose limitations?). It is hard to create a large space when you're confined to a small rectangle on-screen. It is difficult sometimes to not 'step' on someone else's line, which is made worse by the audio prioritization of the software.
But the Improv Community, by and large, has not let that stop them. Creative minds have a way of overcoming / working around / dealing with problems. In my experience, it is a success: it has far exceeded 'just doing Improv'.
Firstly, I have been in jams where 'the cast' is composed of people from all across the US: from New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, California and Oregon to name a few. A few jams went international, with participants from the UK, Spain, France and Russia. You know people are into Improv if they are doing it at 3 AM their local time.
Secondly, there is the exposure. Instead of waiting to see one or two previously unknown (to you) troupes at some yearly Festival, you can get a daily dose of worldwide diversity online.
Thirdly, speaking of diversity, most people I've met online are inclusive of what should, in a sane world, be included. I'd dare say all the people I've met, but you know how statistics are...
Fourthly, seeing any given troupe's local endeavors for rights equality, inclusiveness and other good ideas to make the world a better place can quickly be echoed to other parts of the country or the world. Again, creative minds such as exist in the Improv domain can (and have) come up with some pretty kicking ideas.
Fifthly, and nearly the end of this lengthy missive, is that many jams welcome the novitiate. The jam might be based in Portland, Oregon and the 'newbie' might be in Tallahassee, Florida. While there may be or have been a local 'live' group for the Tallahassee-ite to join, the exposure to all the different styles and forms and people can't hurt...
And maybe that last point is the most important one. 'Improv people', in my experience, are accepting, loving, caring people. If we can change the hearts of mankind, even one at a time, then we would not need barely useful legislation(s) to attempt to force us to change our collective minds about what is right and what isn't.
Thanks for reading...
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