We wanted yinz to get to know our new teachers. So here’s 5 questions to learn a little more about their point of view on improvisation and life.
Here is our new Improv and Sketch Comedy teacher, Sarah McChesney’s answers:
What drew you to improv, and how has it impacted your life outside the theater?
“When I first saw an improv show, I was fascinated to know how you could make those hilarious scenes, from just one word. I also loved the fast pace, the unexpected things people would say which were hilarious, and that the people doing it seemed really funny, clever and had a comradery that I hadn’t seen before.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that improv changed my life on a cellular level. It changed how I viewed problems and changed them into opportunities, it gave me the confidence to not be embarrassed by my ideas or the funny/weird/silly things I liked to do or say. Because of improv, I became a better writer and used those combined skills to become a professional screenwriter – something I don’t believe I could have accomplished without improv. Improv also introduced me to a community of people whom I didn’t know existed, but became my tribe.”
What can students expect from your class—and what do you hope they walk away with?
“First of all, my classes are a fully supportive environment, we are all in it together. We laugh with each other, not at each other. Secondly, I love to teach the WHY of improv. I think it’s important to know why we are doing something and why it is or isn’t working. Whether we are doing improv games or creating scenes, it’s important to understand the mechanics or even the psychology of what’s happening. I hope that students walk away feeling exhilarated, confident, and that they had so much fun that they want to do it again.”
What’s one of your favorite improv games or exercises—and why do you love it?
“New Choice is one of my all time favorites. While performing a scene or telling a story, another player says “new choice” and you must immediately replace the dialogue or action that you just did, with something new – without hesitation. I love how fast paced it is, it makes it impossible to plan ahead and it forces you to justify something ridiculous that you have now said or are doing. New Choice fosters creativity, adaptability and rapid-fire decision making. It’s a great game to help people who are over-thinkers, get out of their own head.”
Why do you think improv is important right now?
“We all know that 24/7 access to our phones and social media can have very negative effects and I’ve been around long enough to see a real change in how people communicate and even become less productive. There are so many fewer in-person interactions, many people struggle with anxiety and self confidence when they do have to communicate in person. Improv tackles this head on, simply performing together builds rapport and trust. Improv teaches active listening, self expression and communicating ideas clearly, all of which connect to higher self confidence and feeling comfortable in unpredictable situations. And in a time where other people’s opinions are constantly in your face/ear and shaping people’s thoughts and values via social media, improv gets you to think outside the box and think critically. Improv gets you to create and be an active participant instead of just a consumer of content.”
If someone’s nervous to try improv for the first time, what would you say to them?
“This class is for YOU! Oftentimes the people who are most nervous, introverted or who think they can’t be funny, are the best students. I will never make you feel like you did something “wrong”, and I’ll teach you how to either channel that nervousness, or how to work through it and create something that you’re proud of. You will always have my support and experience to guide you, and I promise that you will be surprised at what you can do in a short period of time.’
