What improv has taught me
1. Bring something to the table. Me: “That’s a really nice dress you have on.” You: “Wow you must be blind. I’m clearly wearing a t-shirt and jeans.” [Scene dies, audience squirms] Take 2 Me: “That’s a really nice dress you have on.” You: “Thanks, it’s for my quinceañera tomorrow! I had to wrestle another [...]
Where Harvard and humanity meet
Just got around to watching Tina Fey’s appearance on GoogleTalks. Loved her observation, originally from SNL creator Lorne Michaels, that the best conditions for improv usually come about when you mix “Harvard people” with “college dropouts.” Elaborating on the broad brushstrokes, it’s the creative dynamic you get by swirling cerebral with visceral, methodical with adventurous. [...]
