Classes. Just Go.
Shaun Landry
There has been a lot of discussion of late of what the hell to do when it comes
to going to classes.
My honest opinion. Check out these classes that everyone is talking about and
make your own opinion of it.
People (esp actors) will bitch and moan and gripe if you give them the forum to
do it.
What could have been hell on earth for someone who attended the Groundlings
Classes, could just possibly have been heaven on earth for someone else.
Just check the places you want to go to and decide on the following:
1) If your budget can afford it.
2) If the kind of teachings (and teachers) suits you
3) If you can make the full commitment to the class.
4) If you feel its gonna help you down the line (contacts with other actors,
teachers et all)
5) If you feel the environment is not only good grounds for learning, but if
you feel you are gonna have fun.
Most places will let you sit in on a free class to decide what you want to do.
I have no clue about the LA Scene, but Chicago....most of the folks who run
classes will let you sit in on at least one to decide.
And if you attend these classes, and it turns out that it is bullshit for you.
Then drop the hell out, before you become bitter, despondant, and lose more
money than what you want to lose.
If they let you go (and I have seen it happen at Second City after the 1A
auditions)
then it was not meant to be, and go somewhere else. Or try again.
Do what the hell you gotta do. Don't listen to the misery of others. Don't
listen to the guru followers. Listen to what you feel is gonna suit you. And
just go.
Shaun
Beat of a different drummer.
Amanda
Well said, as always, Shaun. But I want to add one thing.
Friends, you can always take classes at more than one place. In fact, I think it's
a really good idea to get more than one school's perspective on improv. So take
Second City or Groundlings classes if you want to. Get as much out of them as you
can (or quit, like Shaun said). Then go to Annoyance, or IO, or Players Workshop,
or the improv open mic night at Fred's Huki Lau Lounge and Bistro. Whatever works
for you. The important thing is to keep learning (in classes and in shows) until
you think you're an improv guru. Then when you think you're an improv guru, then
start teaching or directing, or get the hell out before you piss people off with
your sanctimonious attitude.
-Amanda
They invited me to teach in Pittsburgh...that's when I knew it was time to get the
hell out.
Oliver Broadway
wrote:
> Friends, you can always take classes at more than one place.
Absolutely. My 2nd term doing impro, I was taking three different classes
every week.
Ollie
Oliver Broadway
(Shaun Landry) wrote:
> 1) If your budget can afford it.
> 2) If the kind of teachings (and teachers) suits you
> 3) If you can make the full commitment to the class.
> 4) If you feel its gonna help you down the line (contacts with other
> actors, teachers et all)
> 5) If you feel the environment is not only good grounds for learning,
> but if you feel you are gonna have fun.
Pretty much the same as choosing a therapist (except no.4)
Ollie