We Are Surrounded By Superheroes

We are surrounded by superheroes.

Let me explain: every Harold Night I'm surprised by the people I get to perform with. I see them walk through walls that I would otherwise bump against, and I see them bound effortlessly over obstacles through which I'd stumble.

I want to tell you about the Elevator DJs. 

Firstly, because I love these improvisational x-men, and because I'm going to miss them on my trip... you might've heard about it. Marcus and I are going to Chicago for 5 weeks to take an Intensive with Improv Olympic. It's a thing.

But let's stay on topic:

Real name: April Seymore

Alias: The Hairy Nipple 

Background: Marcus Willis is of the belief that Hairy Nipple is the only word that rhymes with April. Who am I to argue?

Super powers:

• Toughness: Able to withstand and support any approach, or style from her scene partner. April can weather it all, and with aplomb. In fact, she may even gain power from it.
• Alchemy: April has an innate ability to take the opening and turn it into some sort of vocalisation or physicality. Is a gold analogy too obvious here? She turns it into gold. Like an alchemist might do. Yup... 

Real name: Justin Porter

Alias: The Salty King

Background: My favourite scene from Justin is when he tagged out a scene about the sugar kingdom to show us their enemy, The Salty Kingdom. A wonderful scene which brought the whole show to life.

Super powers:

• Shape Shifter: Justin seems to be able to play anything. You need support? Justin is with you. You need a strong character? Justin is already doing it. You need someone to be emotionally silent? He's not said a word. You need someone to scream hysterically? That's kind of his thing.
• Power: Justin's characters pop because all of them possess perspective, presence and purpose. Justin once spent a scene talking to a glass of Orange Juice, and I thought I was going to die from laughter.

Real name: Marcus Willis

Alias: Curly Straw

Background: Ask him about the worst day of his life. 

Super powers:

• X-ray Vision: Marcus has this great ability to cut through the noise and see exactly what the scene is about. This makes him a great scene partner and ninja.
• One Liner: Like all good superheroes, Marcus can come up with a great line to Ninja a scene, garnish a group game or being clarity to a scene - he's so good at it that you might not have even noticed. 

Real name: Nick Spunde

Alias: Mister Fabulous

Background: Did anyone else see Nick's hair on Harold Night? Wind-swept and lustrous.

Super powers:

• Teleportation: Nick has a gift for being right in the moment with you. It is great being in a scene with him because you know Nick is in the trenches with you.
• Integrity: Nick always comes on stage with a view or perspective, and that makes being on stage with him fun. My Level 1 show was with Nick and it was so wonderful having him there in all his hairy glory.

Real name: Ryan Patterson

Alias: Captain Cucumber

Background: Why cucumber? because Ryan is cool as a. A cheeky fellow who always shines a light on whatever is happening, both on and off the stage.

Super powers:

• Quiet Charisma: Ryan has an ability to play characters with incredible clarity and definition but without talking a lot or being over the top. I love watching him step on stage, and wondering who he will be this time. 
• Mischievous: Ryan's characters are always cheeky, and don't just have a perspective, but a clear relationship to his scene partner. This makes stepping out with Ryan a joy!

So remember: Everyone has a superpower. Everyone brings something unique to their work. And looking for what makes your teammates (and other players) special, will help you learn from those around you, find new ways to play, and - not least of all - appreciate your fellow improvisers just a little bit more; and so you should we all. 

Elevator DJs rule,

Dan