FYIs for New Improv Students

H*ly sh!t.

Someone in your office that’s known you for less than six months just told you that you were hilarious. Stop everything you’re doing and sign up for an improv class.

So now it’s your first day. You’re sweating. You walk into class and see people of all shapes, sizes and ages. Take a deep breath. Don’t be intimidated by the 86-year-old man who may be funnier than you. He just has more life experience, but his reference level will mostly consist of Vietnam bits. It’s not topical. Your big characters you’ve tried out for your family on Thanksgiving will still be great.

Have confidence.

Here are some FYIs for any new improv student– all mostly things I wish I’d known when I began at The Second City Training Center.

• Don’t wear flannel. Be an individual. If “lumberjack chic” has been your style up until this point, change it. You need to stand out.
• Take notes, but not too many. Don’t seem like you’re too into the class, but don’t look like you don’t care, either. If all else fails, just keep writing “yes, and” or “Tina Fey” in your notebook.
• Don’t eat Chipotle during your 15-minute break. I hope that’s obvious.
• Don’t flirt with anyone. Boy or girl. Focus on your craft. Don’t take the chance that your mirror exercise will feel awkward. It’s important that we master mirroring for the times that we are lazy and don’t feel like creating our own characters. It’s only eight weeks. You can sleep with whomever you want at the end of the term. Trust me.
• Always go to Corcoran’s after class, and invite everyone loudly as you exit class. Make sure your teacher is aware you’re investing in the average improviser’s drinking habits.
• Don’t be late to class. Ever. That’s such a dick move. Your classmates are looking forward to Zip Zap Zop. Don’t take that away from them by having the teacher need to reprimand you.
• Whatever happened before class, forget it. Drop everything at the door. Fill your body to the brim with positivity. There’s plenty of time to be negative. Like to rude old men on the CTA. Or on a pregnancy test.
• Go to your local drug store and get an ear wax removal kit. If you have bad hearing, it will defeat the purpose of good listening.
• Buy a Second City t-shirt. But only wear it to sleep.
• Always remember to take a class photo on the last day of class. You will kick yourself in the ass when your classmate gets nominated for an Oscar and you have no way to prove you know them.

The Second City Training Center‘s next term begins March 1st in Chicago and Hollywood; March 6th in Toronto. 

Stacey Smith is a Youth Teacher at The Second City Training Center and currently performs onboard the Norwegian Breakaway. She also performs with both Juneboy and The Deltones at iO and is an Ensemble Member at ComedySportz. Visit her website staceysmithcomedy.com.