Guest Writer: David Pasquesi (Chicago)
David Pasquesi is an improviser that lives in Chicago, IL. He has done other things as well.
I have learned the most as an improviser when performing in front of people. And even better is to perform in front of strangers. Best is to perform in front of paying strangers. That is to say: a workshop is helpful, free shows for other improvisers and friends is more helpful and the most helpful situation to learn about improvisation is to do shows in front of a paying audience. They tell you an awful lot. You don’t have to wonder if what you were doing was compelling. They’ll tell you. And, at least here in Chicago.. and now in New York, too… they are supportive and willing to go along with you. They are constantly saying, “Keep going, we’re with you.” I mean, that’s what they’re saying when they’re not saying, “Jesus Christ. Why don’t you just stop it? Stop this. Stop doing it. Go far away. You’re terrible.”
I also think it’s helpful to remember they don’t owe us anything. They have already done their job. They showed up and they paid for a ticket. I know some folks say that they don’t pay any attention to the audience, but I don’t think that’s true. If an audience is actively uninterested… we can’t help but notice, and it affects us. The audience has an effect... and usually a very positive one. They encourage us to dare... to go on into the unknown. I am grateful for all the audiences that buoyed me/us. Those who joined in the adventure… even when they were less than rewarded, they come back to try it all again. Those who are willing to ‘come along’ without knowing the destination.
So... to all those people who have shown up for the past 30 years... Thanks… and how’m I doing?
