Remember when you played?
Remember when you were a kid and you used a hairbrush as a microphone? Remember when you put on concerts and plays for your friends and family? Remember when your best friend and you created a dance routine to your favorite song and then practiced it for hours?
Okay, maybe you didn’t do any of these things, but do you remember when you played?
Soloing can be like being shipwrecked. Suddenly, you’re thrust into the water. It’s cold and disorienting. You swallow a mouthful of water. Your mind goes blank. You cast about for something to save you, to help you stay afloat. No, that piece is too small! Ouch! That piece is sharp. Many times when someone is struggling to create a solo, I watch her pick up and discard workable ideas in panic.
My sister got married this past weekend. My brother was the officiant and I (surprise, surprise) was asked to sing. The ceremony was beautiful and it included many improvisational moments from the impromptu announcement from the bride that she was not late for her groom (her secret arrival had proved a little too secret) to the many breaks to dry tears and collect thoughts.
What struck me most throughout the day was everyone’s willingness to be vulnerable and authentic. Vulnerability and authenticity are two important factors in making improv (and lots of other things in life) work.
