To All You Performers, Keep Going
Kim Greene is the owner of The Laughing Academy in Glenview, and she’s someone I have known in the improv scene in Chicago since the ’90s. We first met doing a business theater gig for Second City, and today, I teach classes for her at her theater.
What I love about Kim is that not only is she a wonderful teacher, but also she is one of the biggest supporters of the arts that I know. She is always going to shows at venues all over Chicago, in addition to seeing the many shows she produces at her own theater.
She gets the artist’s journey because she is one herself.
A few days ago, she wrote this post on her Facebook page, and I wanted to share it with you because I think it’s something all of us in the performing arts should hear. (She uses the word “comedian” in it, but it really applies to improvisers and actors as well). It really spoke to me, and I hope it inspires you as well.
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To my comedian friends, maybe one of you needs to hear this today. I think what you do is wizardry, it’s alchemy, it’s an art.
You’re allowed to have a bad day or an off night, and it does not diminish you, it doesn’t define you. We need you out there, being vulnerable, telling secrets, opening eyes, sharing your unique view of the world, which can make us laugh at the scariest things and thereby diffuse their power.
And whenever I come see you perform outside my club, I’ll always do the best I can to get front row. In part to diminish my own distractions, but mostly because I want the easiest face for you to see to be the one that truly sees you and is revelling in your moment, who is laughing even at the jokes I’ve heard before because we’re here now, fully present, and each moment is new and different.
So grateful for all your resilience and hard work, the hours that go behind each minute you make us laugh. For what it's worth, I see you. (That’s my empty seat in the front row as I’m taking this pic).
Kim Greene