“Yes And…” Now What?! Making the Most of Your Improv Experience

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Anastasia WashingtonYou’ve gone through the program. You’ve got the handy dandy certified certificate of validation. Now… what? Or maybe you’re just starting out and you want to make the best of your improv experience.

Being a woman in comedy is tough. And having a class to go to is a great crutch. A crutch that is worth continuing and here’s why! Two very important things happen when you continue to get yourself to a class. One, you learn a new skill, method, or school of thought. And two, it’s a giant network expansion. And we all know it’s who you know.

Something I neglected to do so much during my core training was cultivate this network. But if you are just starting out here’s some important tips for making the most out of your improv training and transferring it into to career thrusters.

1. Get involved in school.

While this is a highly competitive area, it’s because it’s so very important. The people that are on main stage shows are usually the former interns and/or diversity students. The more they see your face the more likely you are to be in their mind when opportunities arise. Volunteering is essential. Check into any opportunities like these at your improve school of choice!

2. Practice makes Perfect.

Practice groups are the stuff of networking and performing dreams. Don’t limit yourself to just one group. Learn to say yes to groups, try them out. See if you mesh, try performing when you can with them, you never know what avenues it will open. Many of the people I know that are in multiple performance groups and practice groups, gain so much in terms of getting involved in the community as well as confidence. But practice and performance groups come and go, so be sure to yes and away to as many groups as you can!

3. Jam.

There are many open mics and jams that you are available at various schools and locations. As terrifying as they may be, this is a great place to hon your skills. Not only will it keep you on your toes, but you will meet tons of people who are at so many different levels.  You can’t help but grow!

4. This thing called the inter web.

There are a billion online groups to join. Women of UCB, UCB Underground, Women in Comedy. I honestly have gotten some amazing opportunities from such groups. From joining a softball league, to joining a team, to castings, to just meeting some of the greatest people around; the internet is an amazing place to connect with like minded people.

Many improve schools also have networking boards as well. Check those out for practice opportunities, castings, etc…

5. Audition.

Many schools will have a newsletter sent to you about opportunities available. Use this. Look at what’s happening. Audition when you qualify because this is your chance! Don’t hold back. Comedy is about failing on cue, and that takes practice.

6. Shows.

Go see them! As many as you can! And be SEEN. Be a fixture that they know, and it will help you grow so much!

Bottom line. Women in Comedy need to be fearless. And we need to have each other’s backs to shake things up. Don’t be silent. Be involved. Submit your ideas. Grab the stage. If you can’t get on a team, submit sketches. Do what it takes so that women in comedy won’t be such a rarity!