An open disguise

I just wrote another sketch for this Sunday's class.

Most of my sketches have come from actual events or characteristics from my real life. It sounds like that would be obvious, the writer using his life for his material, but it is harder than you think.

When I first started doing improv, I disguised myself heavily and used nothing from my reality. Now, I try to inject me into everything about my improv. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not.

I think the practice of writing here in the blog has given me the wherewithal to use my life freely.

I can take embarrassment a bit easier now. Especially if it is done for comedy.

Writing the sketches, I try to tap into weaknesses and vulnerabilities, or even distasteful traits, to flesh out my characters and situations. It is in those details that people recognize the hilarious truths about ourselves.

I think I try to do the same here.

For example, a scenario.

I had a scheme.

TO comes back today. I have been wondering for the past few hours when exactly she is landing. Somehow, I thought I would feel a change in the air.

Tomorrow at the show will be the first time I get to see her. I had a plan.

I asked a girl I work with to come to the show and afterwards, to visibly flirt with me.

Ah, the old jealousy begets action begets union plan.

The girl told me last night she thought she could make it. Just one problem. She is bringing her boyfriend.

Not really the twist I had imagined.

So, I asked another. She is a pretty and smart girl, but one who usually chooses superiority as her self expression.

Suddenly, I saw a Lucy episode unfolding. You know, the one where they get someone to make them look better, but the person is actually very intimidating, and all that happens is they end up looking even more ridiculous.

Eventually, by nights end I had given up on my scheme. I decided that being a wacky character is probably not the most attractive or best way to initiate any sort of relationship.

I also decided to just let things be what they are. Good or bad. My dreams or not.

So, it will be Tony who she sees tomorrow night.

That seems to be serving me best these days anyways.