Why Improvisers Should Take an Acting Class

If you've been improvising for a while, at some point one of your teachers/coaches will say you need to take an acting class. This may be confusing.

If you are like me, you might think something like, “I am improviser, not an actor.”

And then a huge acting opportunity will come along, like a play, commercial or even a TV show, and you will blow it. Not because you are not talented, but because you don’t have acting training.

If you are still not sure why taking an acting class might be worthwhile, here are three reasons why improvisers should take an acting class.

2. It helps you get good with a script
   Guess what improvisers? If you want to do commercials, TV and films — the things that actually pay you money and may bring some exposure to your career — then you are going to have to audition to get them. Which means you are going to have to be good with a script. This translates to knowing how to ACT!

   Improvisers have had the reputation for years that when they get in a casting session and are asked to read off the script they usually suck. The reason they do is they usually have no formal ACTING experience or training. Remember, the last time I checked, there was no one getting rich off just doing improv.

3. It helps you develop your serious side
   Improvisers, for the most part, want to be liked and make people laugh. They are terrified to go to the places where actors love to go to naturally. Acting classes are a great place to get improvisers out of their comfort zone and rewire their brains to give them the confidence to go dramatic and let go of needing to get a laugh. Not only is this going to make them a much better improviser, it’s also going to give them so much more range as an actor. In my career, 80 percent of my TV and film credits have come from dramas, not comedies.
4. You are both an actor and an improviser
   Yes, you call yourself an improviser, but you are also an actor. An actor should know the basic terminology of acting and know that your work ethic as an improviser is not going to cut it in theater, movies and television. Acting takes discipline. Actors prepare their asses off. Even if you are doing a scene in class, you will have to memorize the script, emotionally prepare for the scene and meet with your partner outside of class to rehearse. This takes hours and hours of work and commitment. Since improvisers can be extremely lazy and a little flaky, taking an acting class can be a rude, but necessary awakening if they want more from their career and themselves.

If you are looking for an improviser-friendly acting class, I highly recommend Green Shirt Studio in Chicago. Jack Schultz is Green Shirt’s Artistic Director, and he is an incredibly respected and supportive teacher, especially with improvisers. Green Shirt classes start Aug. 20, 2023. Plus, you can try one of his classes in the Chicago Triple Threat Workshop, running from Aug. 26 through Sept. 16. For more information go to https://www.greenshirtstudio.com/classes/.