killing improv

Wow, I missed an entry and feel like I missed commenting on a lifetime of events. The second part of Shishir’s workshop witnessed us pulling together two mini-productions, based on a J.M. Synge play and incorporating all our personal histories as well as Viewpoints work. Phew! Hard to describe here but really exciting and interesting and bonding. For me at least! It was interesting to work with someone used to prepared stage productions.. I got a little nervous about the idea of preparing and rehearsing, but having the challenge of a structured framework (you must present a 10-20 minute piece in 3 hours — it must include a song, a minute of silence; it must incorporate lines from each actors’ personal history; it must loosely following a pre-existing script) made it exciting and weird. I can’t wait to see Cornerstone’s future productions.

The minute Shishir’s workshop concluded, a group of us went on a field trip to Archie McPhee’s and spent too much money. At least I did. I am about to pack and am queasy at the thought of my expanded belongings. I am also queasy at getting up at 4:00am tomorrow morning for my flight home.

The second we got back from McPhee’s we met before our performances at Unexpected Productions. The first half of the evening, the participants performed in their own languages (no matter what).. the second half (in which I participated), we performed in our “worst language” — whatever languaage atwhich we were not very proficient. I spoke using my 10 words of Bahasa Indonesia. Interesting moments in both shows.

Then, of course we went to karaoke, my absolute favoritist thing in the world to do. The pictures speak for themselves.

Sleep: a commodity.

Today was part one of Randy’s workshop, which was great. We are turning inwards, examining ourselves and the improv community in general and it really couldn’t be coming at a better time for me, and for VATS. I also got bonus time with Randy and tried to steal as much information from him to apply to Ventura TheatreSports.

And now I’m surrounded at the hostel by a international gaggle of ladies all showing off their scores from Nordstrom Rack and Ross.

One hour before we meet in preparation for our 2 shows tonight. Holy crap!