Improv skills are imperative when becoming a professional actor. Especially, when starting out. Many non union actor’s auditions are now including less scripts and more improv. Currently, we have about four non-union series happening in Ontario and every audition is based situational improv. Which means it is based on the characters and what conflict they encounter. Some examples include a mother losing her daughter, paranormal activity, and criminal cases.

 I work with lots of comedians and find that ‘Second City’ has the best training when it comes to improv. It is also a recognizable school and casting directors are familiar with the caliber of quality training. If you have the chance to train, take advantage of the opportunity. I’m finishing reading, “Bossypants,” by Tina Fey. The book describes her training through ‘Second City,’ and how she was able to branch out in her career. I highly recommend the read because it’s simple and hilarious. She is a hilarious comedian-writer/comedian, and if you’re not familiar with her work, check her out. The book highlights the reality of having a career in the entertainment biz.

Be prepared to work long hours because it’s not a 9 to 5 job- but we do it because we love it. We do it because it allows us to be creative. Mostly it is because we can be the artist we were born to be.

Here is a reminder for a fantastic opportunity called ‘Improv Fundamentals’ that is scheduled to run October 6- November 10, 2016, 7:30-9 PM every Thursday. Minimum 8 students. Check it out.
Follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/improv-fundamentals-tickets-27527225673