My Nights at the Improv by Jan Siebold

Author:Jan Siebold
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

10: Fourth Class

Ben is sitting on his stool explaining tonight’s first activity. I’m supposed to be working on an English essay that is due this week, but I’ll just have to put in some overtime when I get home tonight. I don’t want to miss a single moment of Improv class.

I tried out the lamp when I first arrived tonight. It doesn’t work. I plan to ask Shirley for a new bulb the next time I see her. I’d bring one from home, but it’s an odd little size.

“So far you’ve been doing a great job,” Ben is saying, “but tonight we need to start working on speed. Up to now I’ve given you lots of time to think during each activity. However, you wouldn’t have that luxury if you were really doing Improv. You’d have to think on your feet.”

Ben stands.

“Let’s do a quick warmup,” he says. “I’ll throw out a topic and then a letter of the alphabet. As quickly as you can, give me a word or phrase that deals with the topic and begins with that letter. We’ll go right down the line. Just say the first thing that pops into your mind. Remember, we’re working on speed. Ready?”

The group members nod.

“Okay,” says Ben. “The topic is food. The letter is S. Julian?”

“S-s-s-s-spaghetti!” Julian sputters.

“Sushi,” says Mary without hesitation.

“Uh—salsa!” shouts Mark.

Frank stops to think.

“No stopping!” Ben reminds him.

“S-s-s-s-soy sauce!” Frank stammers.

“Squash!” Vanessa yells.

Not bad, I think, with all my supportive might.

“Good,” says Ben. “The next topic is recreational activities. The letter is … H. Don’t be afraid to have some fun. Let’s start with Mary this time.”

Almost immediately Mary says, “Horseback riding.”

“Hang-gliding,” says Mark.

“Hula dancing?” Frank suggests, wiggling his hips and waving his arms. The group laughs.

Vanessa wrings her hands as she tries to think of something.

Come on, Vanessa. How about hissing? Or harassing?

“Having fun?” she suggests.

Lame, I think. So much for being supportive.

“Okay,” says Ben. “Julian?”

“Let’s see,” says Julian. “Um … hog-tying!”

Everyone laughs again. They go through a few more rounds.

“That was very good,” Ben tells the group. “I think you’re ready to step things up a bit.”

The group groans as Ben continues.

“This next activity requires you to really listen to each other and to build on what is said before it’s your turn. The activity is called ‘Oh, yeah?’ Here’s how it works. I’m going to make a statement. You’ll take turns trying to top it with a statement of your own. For example, if I said ‘I’m a pretty good tennis player,’ then you might counter with ‘Oh, yeah? Well, I’m so good that I play tennis using a volleyball net!’ See what I mean?”

Everyone nods.

“Okay,” says Ben. “Remember. Speed is key. Here’s my statement: ‘I play the piano.’Julian?”

“Oh, yeah?” Julian challenges. “Well, I play the piano and the … banjo.”

“Oh, yeah?” offers Mary. “Well, I play the piano and the banjo at the same time!”

Everyone laughs.

“Oh, yeah?” says Mark. “Well, I was invited to the White House to play the piano and the banjo for the president of the United States.

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