Making the Most of Your Improv Infancy

So, you’re new to improv (i.e. just coming alive for the first time eveeeeeer). In your first couple years, you have a lot to look forward to. Here’s what to expect, baby improviser, and some tips to keep you healthy and happy.

AT 2 WEEKS: BABY’S GOT SOFT SPOTS

All you need right now is encouragement and positivity. Be gentle, and make sure you surround yourself with good people and soft furniture.

AT 5 WEEKS: TAKE PICTURES!

By now, you’re starting to smile and finding your tribe (your improv family that will love you unconditionally no matter WHAT). These are the best days, so make sure you have lots of pictures of your cool improv outfit to show everyone in the future.

AT 3 MONTHS: MAXIMIZE YOUR EMERGING ROUTINE

Improvise as much as you can. In an oft-referenced, oversimplified quote, Malcolm Gladwell said it takes a person 10,000 hours to become an expert at something. I say it’s fun as hell. And my quote is 100% in context. You’ll never be more excited or exciting as when you’re first figuring everything out. At the height of my adrenaline-fueled insanity, I was a part of six different shows/teams while doing children’s theater in the early morning and working at Potbelly’s in the afternoons. I have never been better or more awake. Take advantage. But be careful, because…

AT 8 MONTHS: BABY IS CRAWLING

And discovering there are many different ways to crawl! So many groups, so little time. It’s fun to be asked, but you have to commit 100% to everything you take on. If you can’t be there, then quit the things that aren’t getting your full attention. It’s disrespectful to think you’re above rehearsing, and if you aren’t 100% present, you’re not growing. Show up or don’t. You don’t get points for how many things you are “kind of” doing.

AT ONE YEAR: BABY IS STARTING TO SAY ACTUAL WORDS

Your skills are starting to catch up with your enthusiasm, so why not start your own projects? Try everything. Improv is fun, but if you start getting too comfortable—create. Write a sketch show, do solo material, try stand-up. Write write write. Write. WRITE.

AT 17 MONTHS: YOUR TERRIBLE TODDLER HAS DEVELOPED SOME NAUGHTY HABITS

(Hello judgment, superiority and jealousy) See shows. see shows. SEE SHOWS. Not just the big ones that everyone jerks off over. Or your friends’ shows. See the weird ones, the midnight ones, new teams. If you’re already in the theater, stay and watch the shows. You have your whole life to become the alcoholic in the corner of the bar, but right now you still have a lot to learn.

AT 2 YEARS: SEPARATION ANXIETY SETS IN

You’ve been around for a couple of years, and things are going to start to change. Some friends will grow away, some groups will implode. Relish the change; don’t be afraid of it. The improv tenant “there are no mistakes” is easy to forget in real life (and in short form), so consciously remind yourself of it.

BABY, YOU AREN’T A BABY ANYMORE—YOU’RE WALKING!

You’re on your own, and now that you’ve learned to pull yourself up and stand, you’ll be excited to explore. Expect some stops and starts. Don’t worry when you trip and fall. Take a step, fall down, cry, laugh.

Get back up.

Andel Sudik has performed improv at iO, the Playground and the Annoyance and sketch comedy at Second City on a cruise ship, in theatricals, with the National Touring Company and on the e.t.c. stage. She is an alumni of Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, currently teaches sketch and improv in Chicago and occasionally writes things while looking out her window at the lake. Follow her on Twitter @AndelSudik or check out her website andelsudik.com.