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One of the pitfalls improvisers make repeatedly is trying to make the environment around them be interesting in some way. A doctor operating with a chainsaw, a cop who tastes crime scene blood, a fisherperson catching a magical amulet... These things can work but require more work than many of us are willing to put forth.

Final Takeaway To play villains or creeps:Play them as heroes of their own story.Justify everything.Find joy in the character.Ensure audience and partners feel safe.

Self consciousness means being in your head, ruled by fear. Playfulness means being in the moment and ruled by curiosity and fun.

What's the difference between the two and why does it matter?

We're told not to address the elephant in the room but I say 'nay'!

Why Vulnerability Works Saying “yes” to uncomfortable or self‑deprecating offers is playful.It shows others that they can let their guard downAudiences love vulnerability — low status is non‑threatening and endearingIt opens the door to bigger comedic payoffs. If that’s true, what else is trueNot everyone is comfortable with this level of exposure, and that’s okay

Being Specific in your offers, leads to three main benefits... 1 - audiences find it relatable 2 - roots you in the present moment and 3 - suggests character

The Power of the Smile A smile transforms villainy into comedy“I cheated, and I can’t wait to do it again.”“I stole your car and wrecked it — wow, that was a nice ride.”Smiling signals: we’re playing, not hurtingAudiences love watching someone enjoy being bad

Flexibility, the ability to pivot, is a terrific skill to have on stage and off. Today, we look at reframing as a way to that.

If your audience - be that your scene partner(s), the people watching, or the chap at the dinner partner - is in doubt as to your intentions, the way forward will often be more difficult for you.

Status is great in comedy and in real life. You likely use it all the time and don't even know it. It's one of those things that once you see, you see everywhere. Once you understand it, it'll make your life much better.

Remaining open to 'who' your character is, what they stand for, what they love, what they hate, and more, keeps you open and alive to your audience (on stage and in the real world). You can be flexible, surprise yourself, and learn about points of view different from your own.

Listening as a gateway to presence and reduced self-consciousness.

Mistakes scare the crap out of us, but they're usually only as bad as you think they are! They have wonderful upsides.

Starting a scene is one of, if not the most, difficult and critical things in improv. I discuss two of the ways to begin scenes and reveal my favourite!