So much for Level II

I’m just back from performing in my Improv Level II class’s “graduation show” at ComedySportz in San Jose. This was the first time I’ve been on the stage since, oh, probably since the Variety Show during Senior Year of high school, and, unlike that experience, this was not scripted and rehearsed.

I can’t comment on my own performance (I was too busy to take any notes), but it was clear that having an audience brought out the best in my fellow players, so I hope it helped me, too.

Level II is long-form improv, where each “act” lasts 20-25 minutes (not that any one person is on stage the whole time!), unlike the games that ComedySportz plays during their regular shows. We did two acts — one was a modified Harold (three stories, not obviously related, though there were a few leaks between them), and the other was a montage (lots of short bits, sometimes returned to, often not). The montage is fun (and probably has more laugh-out-loud moments for the audience), but the Harold requires actually staying in a character and developing a relationship over several scenes. Both are interesting to do.

Level III starts in a few weeks; I plan to be there!

Channelling my inner Ted Stevens

Here in California, today is yet another special election, called in hopes that the voters will approve six propositions which are billed as temporary fixes to the current budget crisis — but fixes which will not solve the underlying problems (chief of which, in my opinion, are the two-thirds majority requirement in the Legislature for passing a budget or any taxes, as well as the long series of voter-mandated spending requirements from past propositions).

I’m letting Ted Stevens guide me.

Heads down and counting the days

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged here — it’s been busy, and it’s about to get busier, with my Extreme Blue interns arriving in just a week, and much to do to get ready for them (not to mention other work-related activities). The good news is that I’m learning a lot — but it would have been easier on me to spread out the learning a bit more. Not realistic, but easier.

My improv class is nearing its end, too, with our show on the 27th (8pm at ComedySportz San Jose, $5, validated parking). It should be fun, and I hope it’s funny.

And Jeff’s back from Tulane, which certainly changes the pace of life at home!