Thoughts on Improv From Betsy Carrane

This week is my 8-year-old daughter is taking her first improv camp. I was more excited than she was about it, even though her 20-something-year-old counselor didn’t know that I am “improv” famous when I dropped her off the first day.

I was first exposed to improv when I was 18 years old, so to see my daughter do improv at such a young age and, most importantly, like it, makes feel me proud.

So today, I sat down with her on our living room couch to ask her about the camp, why she wanted to do it in the first place and what advice she would give someone starting out in improv today. Here’s what she had to say. (This interview was edited from the original conversation.)

Why did you decide you wanted to take an improv class?

I really like being funny. Improv is a place I can express myself. At school, my friends don't see me as a funny person because I have a different name. (She goes by Elizabeth at school and Besty at home and at this improv camp.)

But in improv I can express myself and be who I am. It's really good because I can have a lot of fun.

How do you think you are doing?

I think I am doing good. Well, I get laughs from the teacher and I get nice claps from the girls. But the boys don't clap because they don't like girls.

How has your dad, who is such a respected improv teacher and performer, prepared you for this camp?

I don't know.

What have you learned?

My teacher asked me to make up an imaginary character, and it can't always come to you as fast as you want it. I might need to wait a little a while and then it might come into my brain.

Are you having fun?

There is a lot of stuff that is just really fun. Like games.

Do you feel closer to the other kids when you play these games?

In some one ways I do, and in some ways I don't. When they pick me, that always make me feel closer to them. If it's a "picking game," then kind of yes. If they pick me, it feels like they really like me, and I am really friends with them. 

How do you think improv is going to help you in 3rd grade?

Well, I think that it might help me feel braver about things, because you have to be brave to do improv. You might be really nervous, because there are a lot of silly things you have to do, and you don't want to do it too much that you'll embarrass yourself.

What is one thing you would tell someone starting out in improv today?

I would tell them if you are a little nervous it's ok, because there is no wrong answers. You don't have to say something that is real. You can just make it up. That’s what improv is. Otherwise, it would be just talking.

Want to improve your improv? There are still spots open in Jimmy's Long Form Tune-Up this Saturday! Sign up now!