\u201cIt\u2019s okay to just sit there and wait for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My acting friend had brought us all together to practice\nimprov again. We haven\u2019t been able to get together because of the pandemic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quarantine was not what we wanted. We had been getting a groove\ntogether as we worked through improv scenes. But that was a long time ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was so glad when Jenn reached out to to ask if I would be\nwilling to come work some scenes outside. We could stay distanced and be safe\nand everything. But we are artists and it was high time to get some practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the going gets tough, artists make art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We warmed up and marked out the borders of the stage so we\ncould practice proper stagecraft. We did a few small scenes and were reminding each\nother how we had been taught.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Say one short sentence. \nLet it sit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The story will unfold naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In improv, it\u2019s all about relationships. Just like life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Time and silence helps conversations with people. When I speak,\nI can give it time to sink in. Then wait to hear the response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That gives so much depth to the conversation. It shows a lot\nof confidence to let the silence ride. Leaving that much space is generous to\nothers, allowing them to use the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not so common. Many people find silence in\nconversation deeply unsettling and jump forward to fill it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amazing things can be revealed in that silence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The truth can bubble up when it has the space. Silence lets\na situation breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I know my first response is not always an accurate reflection\nof my true feelings. When I give someone else time to speak, that allows them\nto rethink and say what they really mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a gift. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cIt\u2019s okay to just sit there and wait for it.\u201d My acting friend had brought us all together to practice improv again. We haven\u2019t been able to get together because of the pandemic. Quarantine was not what we wanted. We … Continue reading