The Best Improv Classes In Washington Cincinnati

Improv Can Be Scary. How Did I Handle a Participant Who was Freaking Out?

We totally get it. Improv classes can be scary.

I took my first improv class BECAUSE it was scary and I wanted to tackle it head on. But, that was my personal choice and I only had myself to blame if I died from humiliation during class. (Spoiler alert- I didn’t die!)

So, as teachers and coaches we understand how intimidating and uncomfortable this art form can be as a beginner because we’ve been there too! And if you’re in a workshop required by your job, we want to put you at ease as quickly as possible.

I remember one workshop in Cincinnati where we had a participant, let’s call him Sean, who was very visibly uncomfortable from the moment he stepped into the room. It’s not uncommon in these situations to hear the anxious chatter and laughter as people come in, unsure of what to expect and hoping above all hope that they will say something funny and not stupid!

But Sean seemed extra closed off, his body language screaming, “GET ME OUT OF HERE!” People often freak out or freeze because they’re worried about looking foolish and being put on the spot. So let’s talk about some of the ways we helped our friend Sean so that he came out of the workshop beaming, laughing and proud of himself!

One way to support someone struggling in a workshop is to go at their pace, read their energy and not force them to do anything. Improv and team building is meant to be fun and educational, not scary and forced. We often start with an easy physical game that doesn’t rely on anyone coming up with new ideas in order to get folks out of their heads and into their bodies. This helps everyone shake off nerves and typically helps people relax a little.

It’s also important to let the workshop participants know that in improv, we celebrate failure! There is no right or wrong, there is just doing. We encourage everyone to limit their self-judgement and say or do the first thing that comes to their mind- and THAT’S the right answer!

Another way to help someone who is struggling is to give them a gift- something you know about them that would be easy for them to play with. If you have only just met the person, as in a first workshop, pay attention to what they’re wearing, if they have an accent, or if you overheard them talking about their pet goldfish.

I noticed that Sean was wearing an NFL hat and prompted him with a situation that surrounded his favorite team. I could tell he appreciated that and I could see him start to relax.

We then broke off into groups of two to do a mirroring exercise. This one helps those who are a bit uncomfortable because they’re not being watched by the entire group and again, there are no wrong answers here. As I watched the group, I could see Sean becoming fully engaged with his partner and even heard some laughter come from him as his mirroring movements became
sillier and sillier!

At this point, it felt like the group was nicely warmed up and had shed most of their fears and nerves and it felt safe to continue with a few more advanced improv games. I was thrilled to see Sean being a more open and connected participant. I could sense his nerves relaxing and that he was allowing himself the freedom to have a good time- whether he got a laugh or not!

As teachers, we want everyone to feel comfortable in our workshops and to have fun! There is something powerful about overcoming fears that sticks with us and if I can help facilitate that in a workshop, then I know I’ve done something of service to those in the class. I understand how scary and vulnerable taking a first improv class can feel, so I want to do everything I can to create an atmosphere of safety, fun, and learning.

I felt honored when, at the end of the workshop, Sean came up to me to shake my hand and tell me, “thank you for the great class!”