Improvise Your Life

12 Tips to Keep You Creative, Smart and Committed to YOU in 2013

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:19:00 -0500

Visit www.upcomedyclub.com for REACH show info.

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12 Tips to Keep You Creative, Smart and Committed to YOU in 2013
By Dionna Griffin-Irons

Establish a specific goal and artistic life plan. What do you want to do creatively THIS year that you didn’t do last year? What do you want to improve? Be specific. Do you want to work with a theatre company, director or institution that you respect? Introduce yourself. Take a moment and pull out that 2012 planner and calendar and review those past auditions, interviews and meetings and assess what worked and what didn’t. Use it to fuel your next appearance and build a better relationship in 2013.
Expand your community and network with theatre companies, fellow actors, directors and producers. Get some business cards printed and some reasonable headshots and distribute. Make sure the headshot looks like you now, not in 1990. Ask for referrals to save money.
Attend a network event, party, or opening of a show. Be a social butterfly for one night. Fake it if you’re not. Get to know your community and artist peers. In Chicago? Attend the Outreach Meet and Greet event announced in the newsletter. No one is going to know who you are unless you come out of your shell, dark cave, and studio.
Commit to seeing more theatre and improv shows. Simple enough. Art inspires more art. Get out and see more work. Read a play a week. Read a book a month. Become a sponge and soak up everything that tickles your creative fancy.
Take a class in improv, writing, acting and music – anything that gets your muse going. Why? You must always be willing to grow and allow yourself to discover and often that happens in the classroom setting. This keeps life exciting, hones your talent and keeps away the I’m-not-doing-anything-creative blues. Get referrals on teachers who are the best in what they do. Every city has them.
Lock up your ego and start listening to your truth and wisdom. Start writing and journaling to help you hear your voice – the real you that knows what he/she wants.
Junk the junk, release the funk and bring in the new. Whether it doesn’t serve you creatively, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually or personally (people, places, things), it’s time to let go of your dead weight you’ve been carrying over each year. That stack of papers that’s been hanging around since 2010 (or 1990), that book haven’t read in years, or that significant other who is not supporting your craft could be the very thing that is holding you back. It’s time to junk it, release it, and bring in new energy. A creative cleansing is in order. Start now.
Act smart. Trick yourself into being disciplined. Break your activities into small increments- 10, 15, 20 minutes. Doing a task for 10 minutes sounds a lot easier than an hour, right? You only get better in this work through repetition and consistency. If you’re a writer, write; an actor, act; an improviser, improvise; a lover…well, you get my drift. Establish small rituals and routines that support who you are. Outsmart yourself and do the thing you really want to be doing.
Become frugal for a season or year. We’ve heard from every finance guru around that we should save our money and spend less and get rid of debt. Isn’t it time we start listening? There is no reason to be a starving artist. Get a roommate and split the costs and save the rest. Sacrifice on the front end to reap rewards later.
Fine tune a virtue. Patience, honesty, gratitude and humility are excellent virtues. Pick one or all of them and work on being your best self. Sounds a little Oprah-ish, yes, but let me be the first to say that a virtue never hurts anyone when it comes to the entertainment industry where rejection is normal. A virtue can cut through ego, depression and envy anytime, any day.
Be thankful. Ah…gratitude goes a long way. You will breathe easier, sleep better and improvise better when you realize you have more than you think you have. Count your coins in your savings jar or count real blessings – people in your life who have helped shape your journey and who you are today including the mother who gave birth to you.
Laugh until your belly hurts. Laugh hard and freely. Go to more places where laughing is encouraged. Break your inner silence and shake things up a bit. Laughing raises your energy and doesn’t cost a thing. Now, get on your train and start moving!

7 Questions to Stop, Look and Listen at your Life

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:26:34 -0500

As we vamp up a for a new year fast approaching and wind down from 2012, I’m always surprised how fast 365 days and 8,760 hours has flown by.

Sometime in December, I usually take a good long look in the mirror for skin and body changes, measure my boys to see who is taller, review my snow gear, check out the house for problems, and listen to the car for any pre-winter fixes. Then I start preparing for a family trip to visit my beloved mother, Granny in Ohio or Michigan where I spent many years growing as an adolescent, teen and young woman. These traditions and self made rituals always point me toward self reflection and moments to pause in my life –which is exactly what I need at the end of the year.

One of my favorite mother mantra’s that I’m forever repeating to my five year old, Xavier is to - Stop, Look and Listen every time we cross the street. His little hands clasped between my grown up hands while listening to Mom say in a clear, direct voice “STOP, Look, and Listen, Xavi” is my rule of thumb that I’m teaching an energetic son, who likes to run without thinking, act on impulse, and crash into things because it’s fun and cool is actually a picture of all of us when we are racing in life.

So in our efforts to avoid crashes, here’s 7 questions for you to ask yourself as you slow down and gear up for 2013.

Don’t let the Xmas holidays blow you over like a storm and leave you exhausted, overwhelmed and depleted. Here’s your plan to recover, resist and recharge.Take the time now to pick up a book, a gift for yourself and really honker down on getting closer to something you’ve been wanting to do or improve with your career, personal development, art, spirituality and family, but maybe haven’t found the time to do.

Remember this very important tip. You never find time, you only make the time. It is only with your awareness in how you use, spend and devote your time can you get to the crux of what you want to change, add and do in your life. And if you have it all figured out, please share your secrets with me. I always like to hear new ideas.

7 Questions to Stop, Look and Listen at my Life

What would I like to be doing more of that I’m not having enough TIME doing?
What are my top three things that I would like to do in a day, month, year – my lifetime?
Where can I go or research to find support, answers, and resources to help me on this journey?
What can I do, create, start planning right now, today? Write your action and goal list now.
Where do I need to see this plan to be accountable, inspired and rewarded?
What makes me angry/irritated/annoyed and how can I infuse this energy and emotion in my work as an artist?
What makes me smile and how can I add more of this to my life?

Take your answers and write them down and post them up. Start your research project with “Your LIFE” as the subject and plan this sucker out to get an A+. Invest this time and see what you discover. E-mail me as you pseudo professor and let me know how your progress is going. Contact me for a monthly reward and I will give you discount on a funny show or maybe even free tickets to get you laughing. Did you know laughter add 15 minutes more living to your life? Yep, it does. I’m looking forward to seeing, hearing and enjoying what you create in this world.

~Dionna

Finding Your Niche in the Audition

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:15:00 -0400

A long time ago, I had my first audition for The Second City. I was living in Detroit at the time, a graduate from Wayne State University and found myself back at the college audition boards looking for a prospective gig. The African American Touring company was holding Ain’t Misbehavin auditions which seemed to be right up my alley. I loved musicals and got a thrill singing and dancing. I quickly jotted down the who/what/where info and marked it in my planner.

Two weeks later, I auditioned. It went surprisingly well.

I got hired for a year long commitment with over 50 gigs in and around Michigan to perform the musical. Voice and movement seemed to be my forte, or more appropriately -my comfort zone, where I wasn’t in my head. It was easy to let go, be free and enjoy the moment. It felt easy playing my strengths to score in an audition.

About a month later, while still on tour, I ran into a college buddy who informed me that Second City Detroit was holding auditions for their touring company and resident stages. I had heard a little about Second City. The Detroit theatre was a sister branch of Chicago and I knew it had to do with comedy legends and improv. I knew improv in terms of jazz, music and dance. Improv and theatre was new territory for me.

My college buddy was insistent, “You should audition for Second City.” I smiled and thanked her for the compliment. Obviously, she knew something I didn’t know. I politely scribbled the info on a piece of paper thinking to myself it’s an audition, maybe it’s a sign from the universe –so why not give it a try.

The next day I called and scheduled an audition. Not your ordinary audition, a week long audition with over 400 people trying to get in. Pretty intense. The days left a memorable impression.

Day one:

We had a director coordinating groups of twenty actors into your scene partners.

Day two:

I was being lifted in midair by a group of strangers in a getting to know you trust exercise.Theatre games and warm-ups gave me an adrenaline rush.

Day six:

Our group had dwindled down from 100 to 25 by a process of elimination.

Day seven:

I had reached the final callback audition in a group of twelve.

The director paired us in smaller groups of six to improvise short scenes with our partner.

My partner stood about 6’2 to my 5’4 and the director gave us a location of capitol hill. Go!

Without thinking, I looked into my partner’s eyes and said,

“Senator, I don’t think it’s fair that mothers on welfare can’t have a boyfriend living in the same house and receive aid from the government.”

My partner smiled and broadened his posture, agreeing with the relationship I assigned and responded with a witty remark. The second half of the audition consisted of an improvised musical between two rival paper companies. Then the director give us a musical style: opera. I instantly felt a boost of confidence. Improvising.

I don’t remember the dialogue or exactly what we said to each other in the scene in between our music verses, but we were having so much fun and so was the audience.

I could hear laughter – a sign that things were going good. It was during this last moment of the audition that I remembered that I have a niche. I couldn’t fail. There was something only I could do – I only needed to trust this nugget of gold.

That’s what everyone wanted to see. All I had to do was be me.

And, that’s what the audition process is all about.

Share and express your niche and trust the rest will take care of itself. It always does.

Discovery Zone Is Not Just For Kids

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:14:00 -0400

I remember a meeting I had with a student I was mentoring. She was feeling anxious about her Level A improv class at Second City. Although she had taken an Outreach workshop in the past, this would be her first time plunging into a full eight week session at the Training Center. Her nerves were on edge and she was a bit anxious. We met at the Second City lobby in the bar area and chatted about her first class.

I listened to several questions: “What should I do before class, is there homework, how can I make sure I have everything I need?”

Her feelings were like most of us when we enter a new surroundings or a foreign situation – we want to be prepared. My response was very simple. “ You don’t have to do anything, just show up. The rest will take care of itself.”

Improv can be scary for the newcomer and even the seasoned performer who shows up to perform. You bring only one thing - you. You feel vulnerable and unprepared. The same applies to relationships. The ego kicks in and you start to ask yourself..well maybe if I say this line or do this character when I get called on – then I will be okay and I will not feel awkward or foolish. If I do this or say this –the person will like me even more. I will come across likeable and lovable. Faux Pas! Absolutely not! The opposite is true.

Everything you bring to the space and stage is perfectly imperfect. That’s right, you are perfectly imperfect. The power of improv, as with any relationship, when you are connecting with another person is that you are discovering who you are in relation to others. You walk around in your body, in your head all day long and sometimes we don’t even know who we are until our buttons are pushed. That’s what improv does - pushes your buttons.

What do you do?

You take a risk. Throw yourself in, head first into the deep pool of the unknown, even if you can’t swim, you find your way. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, sink a little and trust that you are not alone —you will not drown. Why on earth would we do this?

The goal in improv is to let your guards down and play. Allow yourself to be in the moment, look at the color of someone’s eyes, listen to the tone of their voice, laugh and delight in the joy of being human. Delight in being in relationship to others.

Trust yourself. Don’t worry about not having everything figured out. Discover something new. Take your time and be patient. Take one step at a time…

Who knows, you just might find a butterfly waiting to remind you how brilliant, handsome and beautifully unique you are!

If you’d like to get more involved with improv and learn...

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:44:57 -0400

If you’d like to get more involved with improv and learn more more about the work I do in comedy, view this interesting clip.

LA Advice From A Second City Actress: An Interview With Holly Walker

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:36:00 -0400

One of my dearest and closest pals, and kindred sista friends who later was my maid of honor when I got married, is a woman that was introduced to me by one of my colleagues at Second City.

Holly Walker is her name.

She is an amazing woman, whose beauty resembles my mother and whose wit you can’t put a match to. She is sharp, savvy and sweet.

Whenever we get together, although she lives in LA now, we fall right back into laughing, head nodding and girly stuff.

A not so long time ago, she passed on good stuff and story about acting and moving to LA without thinking twice.

Thank you, Holly. I miss you.

Part I of II - Interview with Holly Walker

In July 2004 I decided it was high time to take a chance and move to L. A. for my acting career. I knew that if I never tried it I would always regret it. I decided to trust and follow my heart, and it has made all the difference.

I don’t think I could have learned in 10 years any where else what I’ve learned in the short year and a half that I’ve been out here. The television and film opportunities are 50 times the amount they are in Chicago. Granted L. A. is a huge pond, but the only way you can become a big fish is to dive in and learn from bigger fish than you.

Being an overnight sensation, I’ve found, usually takes about 15 years. I’ve often wondered when seeing a star on the big screen, “Where did he come from?”

But then I began to look closely at old sitcoms and drama series. Those big stars started with bit parts just like me.

Breaking into the business is a slow process. Of course everyone’s process will be different. The first role I got was commercial for Popeye’s Chicken.

That’s right. My first L. A. gig was teaching white people how to order fried chicken!

I got to do a few non-union gigs, a safety industrial for the US Postal Service, an infomercial with Alex Tribeck for Sonic One Toothbrush, and a PSA for prostate cancer (“I too was affected by prostate

cancer.”) It seems Steven Speilberg wasn’t chomping at the bit to have me in one of his films. Weird.

Next came television shows. Okay…one television show.

I’ve been working as a stand-in on the UPN show ‘All of Us.’ I’ve been on the show twice in co-starring roles and a bunch of times with voice over parts.

Check it out this season and see if you can spot me.

Go on. I dare you (By the way, I got this job, ergo the roles on the show through a WORDS contact.)

I’ve been told that a “break” is when opportunity meets preparation. I believe that we as actors need to be constantly honing our craft. It’s like another muscle, it needs to be worked out or it will atrophy.

Take classes, write your own show, be in an improv troupe, do a play, see theatre, join WORDS, ( a collective of artists from various disciplines). You never know what wonders you may find.

If you love to act, then act, whether you’re in L. A., Chicago, or were ever you are. Put you whole heart into it. Express yourself. I am. I have more to say, and I’m sure you do too. Here’s hoping that we get a chance to hear one another.

LA Advice From A Second City Actress: An Interview With Holly Walker Part II

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:32:00 -0400

Part II - Moving to LA

If you’re interested in moving to L. A., I say “Go for it!” Here are some of the tips that I’ve found helpful:

BEFORE THE TRIP

Get film credits on your resume. Do as many student and non-union films that you can. Regardless of what they are, casting directors want to see that you’ve worked in the medium.

‘Back Stage West’ is the equivalent to the ‘Performink’ in Chicago. It gives you great articles on actors, directors, and relevant subjects like “Acting Classes in L.A.,” “Actor friendly Neighborhoods” as well as giving you audition notices.

You can get back order issues as well as current issues mailed to you to get a heads up on what’s going on.

PILOT SEASON

A lot of people have the bright idea to come out at the top of January to start auditioning for pilot season. Be warned: if you haven’t done a lot of ground work (i.e. gotten an agent or manager, met with a lot of casting directors, etc.) before pilot season, you will probably waste a lot of time and money. You could get lucky…but I doubt it.

TRAINING

Classes are a great resource. Theatre acting is not television acting and just because you’re a good actor doesn’t mean that you’ll get the part. I’ve learned so much about the business through classes, not to mention honing my skills as well. That’s absolutely the first thing I would recommend for anyone to do when they get here. Get into classes.

AUDITIONS

Auditioning is a skill that’s separate from acting.

When ever you can, perform your auditions (especially ones for t.v. shows) for other people, preferably an acting coach or someone whose opinion you respect.

There is so much that you can miss that a coach can clue you in on.

When you go into an audition, try and look somewhat the part. If they’re looking for a martini drinking, Harley/ Davidson motorcycle rider don’t go in dressed like a Star Trek geek. Selling is 99% of the battle.

You need to arrive early for an audition. Television auditions starts from the moment you hit the receptionist area. If you’re being a jerk while waiting for your time to go in, don’t think that the casting assistant won’t relay that information to the casting director. They want to know that you won’t be a hassle to work with, that you would be someone that they could hang out with socially. Don’t be obnoxious, but be ready to talk.

When casting directors ask you what you’re up to, they don’t want you to recite your resume. They want to hear an interesting personal story about what’s going on with you right now. Don’t have one? Make one up! And if you’re going to make one up, why not make up one that is relevant to the audition at hand?

You happen to be auditioning for a role as a basketball player and what do you know? You just played basketball this weekend at the YMCA and your buddy got beat by the very girl that he hit on.

Imagine that.

I’ve heard many a story of a person auditioning for a casting director, getting turned down for the role, but 2 years later being brought in for another part by the same casting director. CDs, like elephants, have long memories. So always, always, always, do your best. Even if you don’t want the part. You can always turn down a role you don’t want. At least that CD will have seen you do stunning work and may line you up for something in the future.

You can learn something from each role and each audition.

If you think small, you get small. You can unwittingly take yourself out of the game by not giving it your all on small ‘bit’ parts. Don’t save your best acting for a bigger role. If you can’t give your all and act the shit out of a small role, what makes you think a director will trust you with a bigger one? Remember someone’s always watching.

ADVICE FOR WOMEN

Have a strong technique. Strong. There aren’t as many roles for us, so to snag one you have to be on your game.

Try not to look at other women as your enemies. It won’t help and you’ll be seeing them over and over again anyway. Make friends, get tips from them. Ask them about their work, their acting coaches, their experiences. Most of them are a wealth of information. Granted some of them will try to intimidate you so be on the look out, but most of them are struggling just like you and love a sympathetic ear to pass the time with.

L A. is the land of the young and pretty. Anyone who’s been told that they’re half way cute comes out here to try and make it as an actor. Know that coming in.

The Hollywood scene is also a fit one. I’ve notice that black women can be a tad bit heavier on average than white women, but still you’re looking at a size 6-8 (as opposed to a size 4-6 for white chicks.) A lot of actresses are a size 0-6. 0-6!! That means if you’re serious about being a series regular you have to put that sweet potato pie down, sister girl!

I’ve also seen really big women make it as actresses.

There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground. You can be a size 2 or a size 22. Take your pick.

THE BUSINESS SIDE

Once you get an agent or manager, don’t just turn you career over to them. It’s your career, you’re in charge. Things you can do to be in charge:

1) get the breakdowns for the current castings of the day. Yeah, it’s slightly illegal, so don’t get caught. Make sure your representation is submitting you for the roles that are right for you.

2) Make a new contact every day. When emailing your contacts, make a request. This makes it easier for a person to respond to you and keeps you in their minds longer.

3) Promote shows that you do. Post cards are a great tool.

4) Keep a database or rolodex to keep track of everyone you know in the business. Show business is built on relationships.

Develop a great relationship with the assistants at your agents’/managers’ office. These are often times the people that are submitting you. Furthermore, these are the people that will be running Hollywood several years down the road. Same goes for casting assistants.

You have to know who you are and what you are selling.

Find out how the world “buys” you. For instance, you may want to play Cinderella but you make a better wicked step-sister. Be the wicked step-sister. Know what you’re good at playing and play the shit out of it. You don’t always get to be what you want to be.

Driven, smart business people work more in this town than the strictly talented.

Working Your Plan - If you don't who will?

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:27:00 -0400

These 7 tips are reminders on how to train yourself to develop a creative, organized schedule that keeps you moving, active and following your passion.

If you’ve wasted time, procrastinated or find yourself wondering where did the time go, you need a shift kick in your arsenal and a few reminders to fuel your tank.

Get back to a productive schedule. Self discipline and repetition is your biggest friend. If you’re enrolled in a class (improv, writing, dance, music, etc.) or following a ritual, your structure and daily regimen reinforces what your body knows, but your head sometime forgets.
Keep a journal by tracking your progress. Pay attention to when you are doing the work, or wasting time. Make small improvements and update your action list, to do list daily and weekly as needed.
Take a look around your space and environment. See what is really blocking you physically or artistically – is it clutter, email, TV, your smartphone? While technology can help life run more efficiently, it is sometimes a big distraction. Know the difference if it is helping you or distracting you from your work. Remember: you need space to create and breathe, not a pile of stuff.
See a show. Art stimulates art and laughs shake up soul. We’ve got lots of them at Second City - where I work. And there’s ALOT of good stuff out there. Pick up an Entertainment weekly in your area and treat yourself by seeing a show. If you see what other people are doing, you may get inspired to do your next big thing. E-mail yours truly at outreach@secondcity.com and I will offer you a 2 for 1 pass - seriously.
Follow the 10 minute rule and do something related to your passion and craft. Don’t think about it just do something. Research a class, e-mail a theatre, make a phone call. Work like an executive and get a lot done in a short amount of time. ( This is a favorite of mine and it really increases lots of productivity.)
Be a time buster and say, “No.” politely to anything that doesn’t fit in your schedule. Be judicious with your time and Yes And…the people, places and things that support who you are.
Honor your time. Honor you.

That’s it. Your fool-proof reminder list for getting back on the train. Travel light and enjoy your ride.

Making summer last...

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:57:00 -0400

Making Summer Last…

Here’s a few creative tips to make your summer last and enjoy your best moments this year…

Check your expenses and save up for a class. Keep saving and making budget cuts whenever you can. Why? Fall will be approaching (Don’t think about it now) and when things start to settle down, it will be a perfect time to hunker down and keep your creative horn tooting in some classes. You’ve got something to say, right? Thought so. Second City is a wonderful start in improv comedy.

Get a personal tune-up. Cars aren’t the only thing that need a spring check. Your body could be screaming for a little TLC or major overhaul. Try a free workout this summer at Millenium park (if you’re in Chicago) or an improv workout in your city. There’s a plethora of summer fun activties —a lot of them free! And if you’re in Chicago or Toronto stop by the set after a Second City show and watch our improvisers do it for —- free. Have some laughs, get a work out in and take care of you. Remember you are investing in you. There is only one you. Aren’t you worth it?

Discover your internet connections. Not only is Chicago a vast market for great theatre, sketch comedy, and improv, but there are tons of audition resources and connections to people in this work on the internet. Join a Facebook group, blog about a show, join tumblr, network with a facebook contact and see where it leads you. You may get your next gig from a little social media meddling.

Assess where you are right now and where you’d like to be at the end of the year. Set achieveable goals for yourself with a target date –how about December 2012? Be specific. Whether it’s saving up money to take classes in 2013, new headshots, or moving to the city, it’s important to be clear, specific and do the thing you really want to be doing. Need some guidance? Drop me an email at outreach@secondcity.com. Taking the time now, to think about your greater goal will go a long way. Ideally, you want to be doing a little of this all year long to grow and evolve. It will make your summer indulgences —outdoor fun, sand playing, and fun times with friends so much better knowing you are still on track.

Read a good book this summer. Don’t let this summer pass without picking up a good book or vamp up your periodical reading –maybe it’s research, escape or something to humor you. Whatever your fancy, do take the time to read. Find out what’s happening in the industry, who’s writing good stories, and dust off the book you bought that you never finished and crack it open. Turn the TV off, kick your heels up and let your imagination create the best pictures for you. This is some of the best summer indulgence around….where you are allowed to be in your head, with a gentle summer breeze and hot sun overlooking your next page turner.

Connect with your best allies outside. Time passes way too quickly and summers don’t last forever (especially in Chicago), unless you’re in one of those lucky locales. Create some of your best memories for 2012 with your family, best buddies and friends –those who support you. I am. By teaming up with my Mama group, we’ve committed to run a half marathon in September. I’ve taken in an outdoor concert at lovely Ravina, and signed up for a secret fun outdoor adventure - details coming soon - that is making this summer one of the best ever! The point is to grab a buddy and do something different this season that you’ve always want to do - picnic, kayak, run, sail, bike —you get the idea. Think out of the box and explore your city in a new way.

And don’t forget to take pics, write about it, and share it -this makes some good history in your life.

Here’s to you soaking up the best summer and making your moments count.

Letting go of the audition

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:53:00 -0400

If you’re one of the hundred actors who recently auditioned for us last week, you may be guilty of replaying the choices you made over in your head. You’re hearing the questions replay like a bad scratched CD:” Why didn’t I make another choice,” or “Why didn’t they call me?” Or, maybe you received a call, and you’re resting on your laurels, that you can do this work with your eyes closed. Whatever side of the fence you’re on, you are not alone. Auditions can often bring out the best and worst of us depending on what side of fence you’re on. If you happen to find yourself still stuck on last week’s audition, read on.

Here’s some useful tips to let go of an audition and get on to the other creative things in your improv life.

1.Get outside and soak up some sun, rain or wind. Weather, a change in environment and scenery always does wonders for the spirit, when you find yourself needing a creative kick.

2. Call a friend, write in a journal, and release the audition monster with a primodial scream near the lake. ( I’ve heard this really works).Take time to connect with yourself, family, children, spouse. There are more important things happening and people who need your attention.

3.Sign up for another audition. Yep, I said it. Is that torture? Maybe yes, maybe no. There’s no better way to redeem yourself than to do it all over again and seize control of the stage once more. Repetition is key.

4. Keep making discoveries about yourself. Pick up a book, perhaps one of the several improv books that we have available (The Artist’s Way, The Power of Now, Marathon Training) and discover what resonates with you. You’d be surprised how other people’s stories, wisdom and anecdotes will speak to you.

5. Keep planting deep roots in improv, comedy, art and your passion. Water them daily. How do you do that? (So, glad you asked) Take a class (Diversity Series with Second City Outreach), see a friend’s show, attend improv sets after the resident shows (they’re free, you know), start a group, perform in an open mic — anything that tickles your fancy.

Remember that ego I mentioned earlier? It wants to keep you in your head and in a funk, especially after an audition –thinking about what you should of done in the past instead starting what you need to do now. Auditioning is an active choice and if you’ve haven’t applauded yourself for that choice…do so now. (Clap, Clap, Clap). Could you hear that?

Stay in the now and move on… move on, my friend. And if all else fails, sleep that audition off. As my Granny says, there’s always tomorrow.

Know the rules before you play the game We found my son’s...

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:44:00 -0400

Know the rules before you play the game

We found my son’s hat this morning and after buying 5 within the past year, this was the best news at the top of the morning.

Before I hit the grunt of sorting out ten things at work (there’s actually more) here are my personal tips (tried and tested by yours truly and others AND adapted from improv) for Improvising Your Life - my personal motto for handling life when nothing else seems to be working.

Let me begin by saying —I don’t share these rules because I work at a famed comedy institution, performed them on stage, or that I teach these in workshops,(although those are very good reasons), I’ve seen them work in the most unusual places including jail (we’ll get more to that later) and transform a diverse colorful group of folk —mother, father, sister, brother, lawyer, teacher, actor, drug dealer, senator etc.

If you can incorporate one or two of these principles daily —you will receive a gift that is yours to keep. I promise. But, (there’s always a caveat, huh?) I can’t predict when —that’s between you and your God, guru, dream weaver and source.

In the meantime, drop me a line. I’d like to hear about it -really! There’s more stories to come (yes, some jail, theatre and momma stuff) —but most importantly, I trust that reading this blog will be a conduit to share something BIG about what’s happening in your life. You have something to reveal to me, at least that’s one of the reasons why I’m sharing this stuff, right? Until then, read the tips. They really, really, really work. Enjoy!

Dionna’s Tips for Improvising Your Life

Pay Attention
Observe your reactions and thoughts about your world and your circumstances
Observe the Characters in your life
When in doubt, listen
Trust yourself
Stay out of your head (Stop listening to your whiny chatter box)
Stay in the NOW (Stay awake and stop drifting to places that don’t exist.)
Don’t Censor yourself and stop denying you
Yes And…your life (Agree to the gift, the unexpected surprise from people and your environment)
Take a healthy risk, act boldly and do something new
Explore and heighten everything that you liked as a child
Embrace your uniqueness and flaunt it
Forgive yourself and others
Don’t be afraid to fail —there is learning in every obstacle
Give yourself permission to play
LIVE — this is your life to live. Own it.

Read more posts on applying the rules and how to play the game.

Before you go —-contact me here or outreach@secondcity.com

Always,

Dionna