Have You Ever Tried Improv?
- marthaengber
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 27
To me, writing is like playing. Even when it’s rigorous and tough, the practice allows my mind to run wild, experiment, learn, and get lost in joy.
Turns out, the same thing happens every week when I go to a drop-in Saturday improv class at led by Clifford Mae Henderson and Dixie Cox of The Fun Institute in Santa Cruz.
Typically about thirty people show up at the tiny theater, and for the next few hours, Clifford and Dixie — who’ve been teaching improv since 1993 — have us play games that challenge our ability to listen, watch and react. I'm not good, but nobody cares that I'm not good. The point is to try and have a fun time doing so.
I would never have tried improv if a friend hadn’t pulled me in one day. It helps that I didn’t overthink it. I just went. It also helps that I was on a stage a lot in my younger years: choir, dance, musicals. Most importantly, these gals are masters at creating a safe, positive environment in which to be silly. Yes, silly. Too often we adults are stick-in-the-muds and forget how much fun play can be.
If you’re in the area, come!
Have you ever tried improv? If not, would you?
BTW, Clifford also happens to be a writer and will have her seventh book, LOST IN SOUND, will be published in August. I’m currently reading a pre-pub copy, and it’s just fantastic, maybe because of all of her experience observing others. I’ll post a review soon.
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For updates about Martha’s forthcoming books, news and giveaways, subscribe to her website: MarthaEngber.com.
SCATTERED LIGHT, a novel, sequel to WINTER LIGHT
THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD a historical novel
BLISS ROAD, a memoir
WINTER LIGHT, a novel, in paperback and audiobook
THE WIND THIEF, a novel
GROWING GREAT CHARACTERS, a resource for writers
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