In Your Head? Feel Trapped? GOOD!

I was speaking with Peter last night after a rehearsal and we were saying how sometimes we've been in our heads when in a rehearsal or class. Contrary to popular belief , I really think this is a good thing, no, it's a GREAT thing. 

See the reason we get in our heads most of the time is because we are being challenged to stretch ourselves. We are doing something with our improv that we haven't done before. Because of this our body naturally rejects it, because it means we are going into unknown territory. Our sense of self preservation goes off and holds us back from risk. In this case it's the risk of doing badly in front of our classmates or the teacher or the director.

These moments are exactly what rehearsal is for.  These moments are also what improv fundamentally is: Following The Fear.  We fear the unknown, we fear change, so our body rejects it. It makes excuses as to why this is not needed.  Having a new tool and skill in our improv is never bad. Having a different Point of view or way of approaching the work is always needed.  You never know what situation you may be in on stage and you may need to use a different approach.

Try it all. Really try it.  I pride myself on being able to embrace different techniques and perform with anyone.  I got there by failing hard and often in rehearsals.  I also failed Hard and often in shows trying new things. We all have to be okay with doing so.  Learn all you can. Incorporate all you can. Become a complete improviser by Following the fear and always growing forever in this work.

- Jeff Quintana
Artistic Director
Villain Theater