Oh, hey! It’s been awhile . . . which is now a common thread in these recent posts. So, perhaps I’m just staying on brand.
I was working on a ’24 things I learned at 24’ post, but it didn’t really stick with me. I 10000% faced ups, downs, and challenges in my 24th year but found a lot of them to be further growing what 23 taught me. PSA: you CAN learn from your mistakes!
The core of my happiness these past ~2 years is where I spend a majority of my time. I’ve become quite committed to the world of improv and comedy.
One of my favorite instructors Liz Roderick, encouraged ‘finding the fun’ above all.
I am so inspired by how important that is in everyday life, too. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stressors of work and dating (a lot in that second one, might I add), and I originally found myself needing a new focus.
Many people know this, and it all make sense timing-wise, but signing up for my first ImprovBoston (IB) class was the first ‘work on myself’ move after being #DUMPED. Woe is me!!!
But honestly, comedy is a creative outlet I was always yearning to get involved with. My cousin had already started in NYC, and I’m a high school theatre kid at my core. Getting back into performing arts wasn’t a tough choice to make.
I’ve found that many people take improv classes to become more outgoing, to be more confident, and to work on public speaking to name a few. For me – I’m quite the opposite. I’m unapologetically always open to being center stage. What I was looking for (and continue to work on) is being the strongest supporter, listener, and team member I can be.
Flash forward from that first ImprovBoston sign up in August 2015, to being a graduate of all IB Core Classes (101-701) + Musical 101. I’m currently taking a Stand Up class with the wonderful Kelly MacFarland, so that’s what’s brewing now!
Additionally I’m excited to share that I was accepted into the Major Leagues of ComedySportz (CSz) Boston upon completing the Minor Leagues program.
For me, improv has truly been a haven to make new friends, new memories, and straight up laugh and have fun. You don’t need to be the loudest one in the room or the most extroverted of your friends. Improv is for everyone, I truly truly believe that and hope I can encourage at least one person reading this to sign up for a class.
I’ve learned that improv is not centered around being the first to say something, or saying something funny, or being on stage the most. Improv is about contributing when the time is right and finding the special moments in every scene – funny, serious, or just extremely relatable. Improv has also built my confidence in my work style.
I have to give a shout out to the IB community that has been so welcoming from the start. The community is full of the most vibrant, zany, friendly, and inspiring people I have ever met. I have noticed everyone finding their own voice and encouraging others to do the same. I’m thankful to call Boston my home.
I’m so excited for the next round of adventures across ImprovBoston, indie teams, ComedySportz, Stand Up, my Netflix special . . .
Life should be fun. Find something fun and do that thing.
xo
D.Kush
