Learn to Learn

In improv, I can do anything. Sometimes I'll initiate a scene or add details that put myself and my scene partner in a place where neither of us really know what we're talking about. For example, I like space shuttle scenes where the astronauts are naming buttons and valves and use jargon that we make up. We're still astronauts, though! Improv, right? This is fun to do and can be very entertaining! The audience simply believes us, or knows we are obviously feigning the knowledge and references of NASA. It's like they're in on the joke with us. No matter how ridiculous we get, it's fine as long as we sell it! If there happens to be an astronaut in the crowd, he or she might be knee-slapping because they actually know the jargon. No one would expect that kind of expertise from an actor, let alone an improvising one. But...what if we did know a thing or two about space shuttles?
Or f*ckin' magnets- how do they work?! (Thanks to ICP, the inspiration for this entry.)

The more I watch veteran improvisers, the more I realize that the majority of them are exceptionally smart and aware of the world around them. Some performers drop way too many references, often at the expense of the piece. I can only watch someone show off how much he or she knows about prairie dogs for so long, even if it is science fact. However, the best of the best seem to walk the tightrope of playing to the top of their intelligence while still being emotionally invested in their scene partners and enriching the show as a whole. They do not get snagged in the net of showing off their own cognitive prowess. (e.g. saying something like, "cognitive prowess".)

Here's something I love about Josh Logan: he will avidly delve into random things, like space shuttles, out of mere curiosity. He borrows plays from me because he wants to know about different theatre styles. Similarly, I'll catch myself looking up something like cashews on Wikipedia for no apparent reason. We just like to learn. I am not suggesting that improvisers should start learning facts just to regurgitate them in a scene. I would suggest strengthening your craft by learning- learning about anything. Is there something that you've always been genuinely interested in, but have never gotten around to checking out? At the risk of sounding like Levar Burton, take a look! It's in a book! If acting holds up a mirror to us and our world, then we as performers could and should know more about it. If we want to play to the top of our intelligence, then why not be more intelligent so we can play at a higher level?

There is no destination with acting or improv. A genuine performer is not going to wake up one morning and realize, "Wow, I've arrived! There is nothing more I can do to improve my craft. I don't need to learn anymore." A true master of any art is never beyond learning, "but don't take my word for it". DUN-UH-DUNT!

Ben