UCB 201 Improv, Class One

Wow, I definitely feel the notch rise in this level of class. My brain was actually overworked by the time I exited. In 101 they didn't want us in our heads. It was all about being honest, yes and-ing and establishing relationship, location and what. Now it's all about framing the game and finding the game. You can no longer just say the first thing that pops into your head. You have to filter it, make sure it fits the game that's being played, fits it most successfully and then say it in utmost sincerity. I'm sure it becomes natural after so many scenes.It is one skill to watch a scene and say in your head, I think there is a lingo that I haven't discovered yet. The ironic thing is that while I was watching a UCB show last night after the class, a lot of the laughs weren't even related to the game. Laughs can come when someone says a word funny or mispronouces something. I also have a theory that a lot of laughs can be predicted. I'm sure that there are bits and structures that have a guaranteed laugh. For example, in class, we played with the concept of one person being an extreme emotion and the other neutral. Say the emotion is happiness. The character will start happy and escalate in happiness. Then, the character can return to a more normal and neutral place for a few lines and then at the mention of something that sets them off, surprise the audience, have an extreme reaction and it is usually followed by a burst of laughter. Maybe it can be worked down to a science. That's probably why they have us do a specific structure. Anyway, it takes far more focus to get into the pattern of framing a specific game and not only that, but doing it successfully and on the spot. It think this is the part of the process that reminds me of building a character, of knowing every minute detail about them. I can't wait for the stage when we can forget everything and just be, but now it's the working part.

I'm also getting to a point where not having money is starting to wear on me. I'm sure tomorrow it will be better as it always is, but today, its just annoying. It takes a lot of self control to stick to your budget, especially as you are starting out and wanting to connect with people and that costs money. Yes, food money, but mostly gas money. Hopefully that promotion at work comes soon, or I may have to take a break from these classes. ho hum.