On Being Real

Daniel Pavatich just returned to us after a month in Chicago, studying improv at the world-famous iO Theatre. Over the coming days we'll be posting some of Dan's reactions and revelations from his time overseas!

"Wear your character like a thin veil. Find out what's inside you and what's true, as compared to working so hard on the fake." - Del Close

"We're joining these people at this point in their lives. They existed before we joined them, and when we leave, their lives will go on." - TJ Jagodowski

How can we apply this?

1. Be yourself

We want to see your personality, sense of humour and identity shine through your work. If we can't see you in your work, why are we watching you? This is freeing because you retain all your own emotional depth, whether you are the villainous pirate, or the king of the salty kingdom. And doesn't that sound fun?            

2. Make real decisions

Act like a real person would; act as (a heightened version of) you might. Yes, you might have a lens you need to parse the ideas through, but we want to see people making decisions and moves that a real person would. If Jimmy McFakeperson asked you to jump off a cliff, you wouldn't do it, so why do it in a scene? And if you do, there better be a damn good reason! Operating this way will give your characters a robustness that will allow them to live through-out a show, and be fun toys for you and your friends to play with. 

3. Tell us know how you feel

In life we can't just blurt out how we feel, but in Improv it's not just a good move, its the right move! Don't be afraid of it. 

When we talk about the Truth in Comedy, this is what we're talking about. Altogether this will allow us to create work which is not just interesting, but bigger than ourselves. While the subjects and forms might be absurd, the interactions need a grounding reality in order to find real humor, rather than just wit. 

I'll end on a quote from Tara DeFrancisco, a fantastic teacher, inspiring performer and all around wonderful person:

"I see too many people worrying about being funny. Let's drop the 'ny'. Let's have fun!" - Tara DeFrancisco